1974 & 1944: Athens Celebrates its Freedom

This year marks two monumental anniversaries for Greece, and, of course, Athens: the 80th anniversary of the country’s liberation from Nazi occupation in 1944, and the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy following the fall of the junta regime in 1974. To commemorate these significant historical events, the Municipality of Athens and the Organisation for Culture, Sport and Youth of the Municipality of Athens (OPANDA), in collaboration with Athens 9.84 radio station, the Archives of Contemporary Social History, and the General State Archive, have meticulously curated a programme that will span from mid-June to November 2024. Take a look at our selection of events below and click here for the full programme.

Screenings
16/07, 9.15 pm: The Phantom of Liberty, Luis Buñuel, 1974, Eleftherias Park
In collaboration with the French Institute of Greece as part of the Athens Open Air Film Festival.

18/07, 9 pm: The Rehearsal, Jules Dassin, 1974, Eleftherias Park
In collaboration with the Greek Film Archive and the support of the Melina Mercouri Foundation.

Exhibitions
Famagusta 3.5%: This photographic and multimedia exhibition by Sotiris Danezis presents historical testimonies and reveals photographs from Famagusta 3.5%. Famagusta is a Turkish-occupied ghost town in Cyprus, which was partially opened to the public in 2021 (only 3.5% of the city was "reopened," hence the title). The exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the city's condition 50 years after the Turkish invasion and occupation and allows viewers to imagine what life was like before the forced evacuation of its 40,000 inhabitants. 05/07-31/07, Tuesday - Friday 11 am - 7 pm, Weekend 10 am - 3 pm, City of Athens Cultural Centre “Melina”

1974 & 1944: Athens Celebrates Its Freedom: The exhibition highlights the joy, dreams and hope associated with democracy and freedom, which were overshadowed by Greece’s civil war in the autumn of 1944 and the Cyprus occupation in the summer of 1974. 22/07 Opening day, 24/07 - 31/8, Wednesday - Sunday 11 am - 7 pm; 01/09 - 28/10, Daily 10.30 am - 6.30 pm (Hours may change during events at Eleftherias Park), Arts Centre at Eleftherias Park

A Sweet Dawn: 14 Stories About Athens Under Occupation: 14 Greek comic creators reflect on Athens during the Nazi occupation, depicting life under German rule, resistance efforts, and the path to liberation. 05/09-17/09, 10 am - 6 pm, Technopolis

Restoration of Optimism: A curated selection of artworks from the collection of the Municipal Gallery of Athens, this show explores themes such as freedom, violence, resistance, bravery, hope, optimism, joy, and anticipation. 26/09-03/11, Thursday - Saturday & Monday - Tuesday 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm, Athens Municipal Art Gallery

Democracy and Conflicts: To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the restoration of democracy, invited artists will engage in a group exhibition to reflect on democracy, conflict, violence and how art serves as a mediator in conflicts and encourages cultural exploration. 03/10-17/11, Tuesday - Saturday 11 am - 7 pm, Sunday 10 am - 4 pm, Athens Municipal Art Gallery

Performing Arts
Fidelio: A rare concert version of Beethoven's opera Fidelio in Greek, in honour of Maria Calla’s 1944 performance at the Herodion, shortly before German troops left Athens. 12/10, 8.30 pm, Olympia Municipal Music Theatre Maria Callas

Nothing is Lost: 50 Years of Songs for a Better World: Eight beloved Greek singers from three generations will perform songs that have played a significant role in the history of Greek music. These songs expressed common sentiments during the junta regime, uniting people around shared aspirations for a better life, freedom, and democracy. 15/10, 9 pm, City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre

Athens - Berlin, The Resistance Songs: A musical tribute conducted by Nikos Platyrachos, a composer who has collaborated with Manos Hadjidakis and Mikis Theodorakis, among others. 18/10, 8 pm, Cultural Centre of the OTE Workers' Association

Rebetika Songs of the Occupation by the music group "Parapetamenoi." 19/10, 8 pm, City of Athens Cultural Centre “Melina”

Restoration of Optimism: A site-specific dance performance in which students from the National School of Dance form dialogues between dance and selected artworks from the exhibition of the same name (see above) 01/11, 6.30 pm, Athens Municipal Art Gallery

For your own convenience, we suggest checking directly with the event organiser or host venue for confirmation or with Culture is Athens.