Dimitria: A 46-year journey into the magical world of arts
The
greatest autumn festival – and one of the most established cultural
festivals in Europe – takes place in northern Greece: Dimitria!
Thessaloniki:
capital of Macedonia, second largest city of Greece and the most
important port of the Balkans! It was first established in 316 BC and
was the second most important city of the Byzantine Empire next to
Constantinople. It is here where Apostle Paul first brought the message
of Christianity, and Saint Dimitrios, the holy patron of the city, also
lived and died.
On the occasion of his name day on the 26th of October, the greatest autumn festival – and one of the most established cultural festivals in Europe – takes place in northern Greece: Dimitria! The celebrations of this festival last for 3 whole months during which you can enjoy the very best in music, drama, dance and visual arts!
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a bright mix of superb cultural events held in the enchanting Byzantine setting of Thessaloniki! Take this unique chance to uplift your spirit through Αrt, and wallow in a centuries-old tradition of a city steeped in symbolism, mythology and religious awe!
This year, for the 46th time in a row, there is a plethora of wonders to be discovered and experienced in an event where modern and classic art coexist harmonically indulging all kind of tastes! The festival begins on the 12th of September with the outdoor concert of Thessaloniki Symphony Orchestra; through a variety of venues- dance from Spain on 29/9, pantomime theater from Switzerland on 24-25/9, “the vegetable orchestra” from Austria on 26-27/9 and the Greek-Turkish Youth Orchestra on 14/9- people representing various countries, civilizations and trends come together to celebrate art whereas colourful theater performances and visual arts festivals complete the picture of a bustling event that you cannot afford to miss!
Dimitria celebrations date back to Byzantine times, when they were held in glorious splendour and brightness. With our mind’s eye, we could visualize the setting: hundreds of artists, acrobats, actors, “clowns” and musicians stroll around the city amusing people, while philosophers, scholars and rhetoricians create the perfect atmosphere for those seeking spiritual exhilaration.
Those festivities were a great pole of attraction for plenty of merchants, creating a kind of “trade fair” in the city. Ships and caravans carrying cargo, such as food, silk, gold and silver were arriving in hundreds in Thessaloniki, whereas tradesmen from all over the world would camp outside the walls creating a small, noisy settlement at the outskirts of the city!
The faithful Christians formed a significant part of this contrasting crowd; on the name day of Saint Dimitrios, pilgrims were participating in religious ceremonies and processions, creating a mystic atmosphere of devout concentration. It is truly impressive that today’s cultural and spiritual essence of Dimitria brings to life the magnificence of Byzantine Dimitria!
This autumn, Thessaloniki invites you once again to embrace the event that will impress even the most demanding viewer! Escape reality through Αrt and feel reborn through this magical experience! And don’t forget: what could be a better motivation to travel than Art?
Check the complete program
On the occasion of his name day on the 26th of October, the greatest autumn festival – and one of the most established cultural festivals in Europe – takes place in northern Greece: Dimitria! The celebrations of this festival last for 3 whole months during which you can enjoy the very best in music, drama, dance and visual arts!
Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy a bright mix of superb cultural events held in the enchanting Byzantine setting of Thessaloniki! Take this unique chance to uplift your spirit through Αrt, and wallow in a centuries-old tradition of a city steeped in symbolism, mythology and religious awe!
This year, for the 46th time in a row, there is a plethora of wonders to be discovered and experienced in an event where modern and classic art coexist harmonically indulging all kind of tastes! The festival begins on the 12th of September with the outdoor concert of Thessaloniki Symphony Orchestra; through a variety of venues- dance from Spain on 29/9, pantomime theater from Switzerland on 24-25/9, “the vegetable orchestra” from Austria on 26-27/9 and the Greek-Turkish Youth Orchestra on 14/9- people representing various countries, civilizations and trends come together to celebrate art whereas colourful theater performances and visual arts festivals complete the picture of a bustling event that you cannot afford to miss!
Dimitria celebrations date back to Byzantine times, when they were held in glorious splendour and brightness. With our mind’s eye, we could visualize the setting: hundreds of artists, acrobats, actors, “clowns” and musicians stroll around the city amusing people, while philosophers, scholars and rhetoricians create the perfect atmosphere for those seeking spiritual exhilaration.
Those festivities were a great pole of attraction for plenty of merchants, creating a kind of “trade fair” in the city. Ships and caravans carrying cargo, such as food, silk, gold and silver were arriving in hundreds in Thessaloniki, whereas tradesmen from all over the world would camp outside the walls creating a small, noisy settlement at the outskirts of the city!
The faithful Christians formed a significant part of this contrasting crowd; on the name day of Saint Dimitrios, pilgrims were participating in religious ceremonies and processions, creating a mystic atmosphere of devout concentration. It is truly impressive that today’s cultural and spiritual essence of Dimitria brings to life the magnificence of Byzantine Dimitria!
This autumn, Thessaloniki invites you once again to embrace the event that will impress even the most demanding viewer! Escape reality through Αrt and feel reborn through this magical experience! And don’t forget: what could be a better motivation to travel than Art?
Check the complete program
12/09/2011 - 25/09/2011
Location: MAINLAND GREECE THESSALONIKI
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