Capital keeps on revelling into 2005
Christmas festivities in Athens include candy towns, toy factories and visits with Santa Claus, thousands of colored lights and fireworks set to music, all organized by the municipal authorities. A total of 422 events that began a week ago continue until January 6, centered on Syntagma Square, Zappeion, Omonia and Kotzia squares. Syntagma: From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., the square will be open to the public for a series of events, including a demonstration (and lessons) by jugglers on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m., with pantomime, dance and drama, and again on Thursday, January 6. Zappeion: Every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Santa Claus’s house, the toy factory and post office will be waiting or visitors. Twice a day, at 4.30 p.m. and 8 p.m., there will be a parade of Christmas characters, acrobats and jugglers. The Aeroplio theater group will act out scenes from fairy tales and skating stars will perform on the ice rink. Omonia Square: Under a crystal tree decorated with 9,000 crystals and 9,000 red lights, the Municipal Band will be playing music from around the world midday on Tuesday. Kotzia Square: The scene of the city’s New Year’s Eve party starring Dionysis Savvopoulos, lit by 2,005 fireworks. Wooden stalls selling thousands of gifts, street theater, jazz bands and jugglers every day.
