Cultural Capital Opening Ceremony | Elefsina | February 4 & 5
What else but the Eleusinian Mysteries could have inspired the opening ceremony of Elefsina’s year as a European Capital of Culture? Designed by the event’s artistic director, Michail Marmarinos, and stage directed by the UK’s Chris Baldwin, the two-day opening ceremony is designed around four processions, with Time Circus, a Belgian collective that has traveled 3,000 kilometers to reach the West Attica town; the Elefsinian Movement of 14 cultural associations representing the area’s diverse communities; the participants, or Hemerodromes, of a 21-kilometer walking race down the Iera Odos (Sacred Way); and the inaugural journey of the “Sacred” Sea Route, a journey through seven historic municipalities connecting Piraeus and Elefsina for the first time in modern history. The first phase of the opening ceremony will be followed by a spectacular event along the seafront at 7 p.m., titled “Mysteries of Transition,” while the party will then move to different spots and venues across Elefsina, where there will be music, performances, food, dancing and much, much more. For details regarding the program of events, visit 2023.eleusis.eu.
