Greece Summer 2020 Opens with Outdoor Cultural Events

Plaka, the gate of Athena Archegetis in the Roman Agora. Photo © Facebook – ΟΙ ΟΜΟΡΦΙΕΣ ΤΗΣ ΕΛΛΑΔΑΣ ΜΑΣ

The Greek Culture Ministry said on Monday that it would be launching on July 18, a new program of cultural events to be held in open spaces, including archaeological sites and museum yards, in order to allow for social distancing in coronavirus (Covid-19) times.

The cultural events will be free of charge with fees charged only for admission to the sites.

Dubbed “All of Greece, One Culture”, the program, to run through to September 30, will feature 251 performances by 11 cultural groups and organizations at 111 archaeological sites in 38 regions.

The “All of Greece, One Culture” series will premiere with a National Opera performance at the Roman Agora, which will also be available through live streaming.

The series of events is aimed at offering respite away from coronavirus concerns and at the same time providing jobs to those employed in the arts, said Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni.

The minister added that the pilot program has be designed taking into consideration Covid-19 health protocols as well as the operational and safety rules for archaeological sites.

Culture Minister Lina Mendoni (center) during the press conference for the “All of Greece, One Culture” program.

Mendoni added that the ministry hopes to keep the program running in the future and will as of October 1 launch an online platform where cultural stakeholders can submit their proposals for the year to come.

At the same time, she said a relevant committee would be created tasked with selecting the events for 2021.