European Culture Day pays tribute to the spirit of Melina Mercouri
European Culture Day, May 5, was dedicated this year to the subject of «Cultural differences in Europe vs homogeneity: threat or challenge.» The day’s events here paid tribute to Melina Mercouri, and were inspired and coordinated by her beloved brother Spyros Mercouris. The three best compositions by pupils at European high schools were awarded prizes. In Athens, an event will be held on Thursday, May 23 at 8.30 p.m. at the Foreign Ministry, where Deputy Foreign Minister Tassos Yiannitsis will hold a reception for the prizewinners, along with representatives of the Cultural Capitals and Cultural Months Network of Europe, and the Melina Mercouri Foundation. For further information, call the Foundation at 010.331.5601. The next day, Friday, May 24 at noon, it is the turn of Athens University to host the day with prizes for the pupils. The program, to take place in the university’s great hall, includes an introduction by the rector, Professor Giorgios D. Babiniotis, and a speech by the coordinator, Spyros Mercouris, the presentation of the awards by Zoe Bella, director of Athens University’s experimental school.
