Tsarouhia are part of the national costume and can be traced back to the time when Greece was under Turkish rule. The tsarouhi, a shoe made of pigskin, was be particularly resistant and suit the dusty and rocky dirt roads of the time. In 1821, Greek warriors went to battle against the Ottoman Turks wearing them. Today, Evzones, the Presid...
Read moreBehind the impressive bar at the city’s cherished Athénée, two mixologists play with flavours and aromas that you do not expect to find in your glass. Angela Stamatiadou raises a toast. With Athénée’s new cocktail list "Unconventional", Dimitris Karapanos and Vassilis Sgouromallis play with the idea of culinary-inspired ...
Read more“We stand still, proud and unflinching. Because at the time we are not human beings. We represent the dead.” Being an evzone is a life-changing honour bestowed only on those with the persistence, discipline and willpower to succeed. Anna Roins speaks to former evzone Sarantis Kouvousis about what it means to walk among the chosen few. ...
Read moreWHAT: 64 distinguished Greek artists participate in the exhibition of NPO “Fermeli” entitled “Evzones“, framed by an original core of historical reference, consisting of photographs, historical relics and collectibles from public and private collections. Conversing and drawing from the parallel valuable historical core of the exhibition, the goal o...
Read moreTrained in silence to attain fitness levels worthy of Hercules and the ability to stand like a statue for over an hour at a time, evzones are the living embodiment of Greek grit. We bring to life the daily existence of these granite-faced guardians of democracy. Who Are They? The Evzones (Greek: Εύζωνας) are a ceremonial unit t...
Read moreWith tourist season behind us, a restless populus is understandably anxious to resume its old ways, writes the American mystery writer and long-time Greek resident Jeff Siger in his sixth Corona Chronicle. But for those who question the wisdom of the latest measures here in Greece, one need only look to Trump’s America for a cautionary ta...
Read moreWith their famous pompoms and synchronised stoicism, the elite soldiers of the Presidential Guard are just as much a symbol of Athens as the Acropolis (and every bit as Instagrammed!). We take a peek underneath those 400-pleat fustanellas to hail the unsung heroes behind these proud national emblems. Often the most-photograp...
Read moreIt was ravaged by the Persians before Pericles revived its former splendor. Socrates walked through its ancient alleys. Later, Salamina would fall to Ottoman domination, a Venetian bombing, and Nazi occupation. And yet, this stoic island right on Athens’ doorstep remains the capital of an eternal Greece. Yet despite its longst...
Read moreWe've all heard about the Day of the Dead or seen the classic sugar skull paintings—but what does this celebration really represent? Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is not a Mexican version of Halloween but an explosion of color and life-affirming joy. As in cities across Mexico, join Athenian revellers as they don funky makeup an...
Read moreEvery 15 seconds, somewhere in the world, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer – and tragically, for many, the news comes too late. From free haircuts to digital races and blushing cocktails, here’s how you can become part of the solution this October in Athens. Get a free haircut, donate it to those who need a moral bo...
Read moreFollow Justin Brendel as he embarks on an uplifting alpine adventure of Olympic proportions, complete with shooting stars, donkey “mines”, and powerful new friendships. “And don’t touch the small orange and black animal. He is poisonous.” I never saw this notorious salamander during our stunning four-hour hike up Mt. Olympu...
Read moreWhat do you get when you blend creative Greek flavours with that famous French flair and an award-winning international chef? A sure-fire recipe for gastronomic greatness! Jean-Charles Métayer’s exciting new venture, Le Pavillon, opens its doors this week in Halandri, and we’ve dished up an early taste of what to expect. Angela Stamatiado...
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