"Thermopylia 2024" - Program of events

THERMOPYLIA 2024

PROGRAM OF EVENTS

September 6

6:00 p.m. - Commencement of Thermopylia

• Welcoming remarks by the Mayor of the Municipality of Lamia Mr. Panourgias Papaioannou 
• Greetings from His Eminence, Metropolitan Simeon of Fthiotida.
• Formal greetings from distinguished guests

6:45 p.m.  - Presentation of the Temporary Exhibition "Technological Achievements of the Ancient Greeks", curated by the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Kostas Kotsanas.

Exhibition Dates: September 6-15

The exhibition features:

• Interactive learning sessions for children through inventions and constructions
• Introduction for adults to comprehend complex inventions, such as the "Antikythera Mechanism"

Location: Historical Information Center of Thermopylae
Hours of Operation:  10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tour Languages: Greek and English
Duration: 45 minutes

7:00 p.m.  - Seminar on "The Importance of Highlighting Cultural Heritage and Its Contribution to Regional Development"

Location: Historical Information Center of Thermopylae

Speeches

• Presentation by A. Gerekou, President of the Greek National Tourism Organization, on the topic:

"Thematic Tourism: Towards a Sustainable Development Model"

• Presentation by  K. Kamilaki, former Director of the Department of Folklore at the Academy of Athens, on the topic:

"Folk Culture and Local Development:
A Return to Locality Utilizing the Tools of the Future"

Presentations

• Presentation by M. Sofikitou, Director of the DIAZOMA Association, on the topic:  "Nature and Culture Route of Central Greece - OEDIPUS."
• Presentation by  A. Efstathiou, Professor of Ancient Greek Language and Literature, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Ionian University, on the topic:

"The Battle of Thermopylae and the Impact of Sacrifice"

Coordination of the Seminar: Thimios Kakos, Journalist

September 7

10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.    Guided Tour (in Greek and English) for press representatives from Greece and abroad to the landmarks of the Municipality of Lamia

9:00 p.m. - Theatrical Performance: "Iketides" by Aeschylus,

 with English subtitles

Sixty years after the first staging of the play at Epidaurus, the ‘’Karolos Koun Art Theater’’, in collaboration with the ‘’Neos Kosmos Theater’, presents Aeschylus ‘’Iketides’’, directed by Marianna Kalbaris. This poetic yet deeply political play centers on contemporary reflections on the meaning of asylum in a democratic society, particularly when the persecuted are women.

9:00 a.m.  – 8:00 p.m.
Continuation of the Temporary Exhibition "Technological Achievements of the Ancient Greeks," curated by the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Kostas Kotsanas

Tour Languages: Greek and English
Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Historical Information Center of Thermopylae

September 8

9:00 a.m.  – 1:00 p.m. - Tour: "The Battle of Thermopylae: The Ultimate Spirit of Combat and Self-Sacrifice"

Guided tours will be conducted in both Greek and English for the audience and press representatives from Greece and abroad.

Meeting location: Historical Information Center of Thermopylae

Guided by Dr. Petros Kounouklas, Archaeologist, Ephorate of Antiquities of Fthiotida and Evrytania

Tour includes:

• Monument of Thermopylae and Thespians
• Historical Information Center of Thermopylae
• Hill of Kolonos
• The Phocaen Wall
• Ephorate of Antiquities of Fthiotida and Evrytania Building in Thermopylae
• Thermopylae village

9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Continuation of the Temporary Exhibition "Technological Achievements of the Ancient Greeks," curated by the Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, Kostas Kotsanas.

Tour Languages: Greek and English
Duration: 45 minutes

Location: Historical Information Center of Thermopylae

8:00 p.m.  Musical performance at the Archaeological Site of Thermopylae

- Presentation by Giorgos Tsomis, Professor, Department of Greek Philology, Democritus University of Thrace, on the topic: "The Role of Music in the Daily Life and Education of the Ancient Greeks"

8:30 p.m.  - Award Presentation to Yiota Vei for her 50-year contribution to traditional singing and its promotion in Greece and abroad, followed by her participation in the subsequent concert.

8:40 p.m.  - Concert: "The Ancient Lyre across Time and Space: A Musical Journey from Crete to Thrace"

Thanasis Kleopas, accompanied by a three-member band and a dancer, introduces the ancient lyre, journeying from the Orphic hymns to the present day. This connection with our ancient ancestors through music evokes deep emotions, creating an atmosphere as the notes resonate within us. Throughout the performance, additional musical instruments join in, blending the ancient lyre with traditional sounds. The tempo gradually accelerates, leading the audience on a musical journey from Crete to Thrace, culminating in ecstatic traditional chants.

FREE ENTRY TO ALL ‘’THERMOPYLIA 2024’’ EVENT