Thessaloniki’s 81st International Fair Starts with a Bang

Concerts, a car rally, hot air ballon flights, a brand new city monopoly, a pirate ship, e-games and art shows plus all the politics one can get will mark the opening of the 81st Thessaloniki International Fair (TIF) on Saturday, at the northern port city’s TIF-Helexpo center.

First held on October 3, 1926, the fair is a major political milestone as every year, Greece’s premier as well as his cabinet of ministers present the government’s annual policies. PM Tsipras will deliver his key note address on Saturday at 8pm and on Sunday he will hold a press conference. All of the country’s political parties will take the podium to present their plans.

Running through to September 18, the event this year promises activities beyond the sphere of politics including a Greek-Russian business forum — Russia is this year’s honored country — a concert by internationally acclaimed singer Eleftheria Arvanitaki and Nikos Portokaloglou, a theater festival for kids and teens, the 49th TIF car rally and car show, the Cheapart exhibition, a science & technology fest as well as an introduction to medicinal herbs in the Garden of Hippocrates.

This year’s TIF is expected to be one of the largest with more than 1,015 exhibitors from 18 countries and the participation of 14 chambers and 230 businesses from across Greece. The international trade fair of Thessaloniki also marks its 90th anniversary this year.

Tickets at 3 euros, family rates at 10 euros from Monday to Wednesday; 5 euros and 15 euros respectively on the remaining days. There is free parking and disability access.