In particular, according to the forecast of the EMY, on Easter Sunday rains are predicted in the central and southern Aegean, Evia and temporary in the easternmost parts of Thessaly and eastern Sterea.   Detailed weather forecast from EMY FORECAST FOR HOLY THURSDAY 05-02-2024 Unsettled weather with local rains and short-lived storms in western and northern mainland Greece. Winds to the west will be westerly 3 to 5 Beaufort. In the east they will blow from north directions 3 to 5 and in the south locally up to 6 Beaufort, turning degrees to the west with the same intensity. The temperature will not change appreciably. It will reach 22 to 24 degrees on the islands and 25 to 27 degrees Celsius on the mainland. MACEDONIA, THRACE Weather: In Macedonia temporarily increased cloudiness with local rains and mainly in the mountains rains or temporary storms in the midday and afternoon hours. In Thrace, local clouds with a few rains from midday. Winds: Variable 2 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 10 to 25 degrees Celsius, in western Macedonia 2 to 3 degrees lower. IONIAN ISLANDS, EPIROS, WEST STEREA, WEST PELOPONNISOS Weather: Clouds at intervals increased with rains and sporadic storms on the mainland. Rapid improvement in the Ionian Islands and from the afternoon also in the rest of the areas. Winds: West 3 to 5 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 26 degrees Celsius. EASTERN STEREA, EVIA, EASTERN PELOPONNISOS Weather: Cloudy with local rains mainly in central Sterea and eastern Peloponnese and from the afternoon almost clear. Winds: Variable 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 27 degrees Celsius. CYCLADES, CRETE Weather: Temporarily increased clouds with local rains mainly in the Cyclades and soon almost clear. Winds: Northerly 3 to 5 and gradually westerly 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 15 to 24 degrees Celsius. EAST AEGEAN ISLANDS - DODECANISE Weather: Almost clear with temporary clouds in the morning in the south. Winds: North northwest 3 to 5 and south 4 to 6 Beaufort. Temperature: From 14 to 24 degrees Celsius. THESSALY Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased mainly in the afternoon - afternoon with local rains of short duration. Winds: Variable 2 to 3 and in the Sporades southeast 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 12 to 26 degrees Celsius. ATTICA Weather: Generally sunny with a few temporary clouds in the midday hours. Winds: Variable 2 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 13 to 26 degrees Celsius. THESSALONIKI Weather: A few clouds temporarily increased. Chance of showers and isolated thunderstorms in the midday and afternoon hours. Winds: From south directions 3 to 4 Beaufort. Temperature: From 12 to 24 degrees Celsius FORECAST FOR GOOD FRIDAY 05-03-2024 In the west, the center and the north, clouds are forecast temporarily increased with local rains. Isolated storms will occur in the north and temporary in the west and sporadic in the continental northeast, mainly mountainous. Gradual improvement from the afternoon and from the west in most of the country, while in the evening the effects will be limited to the northeast where they will gradually weaken. In the rest of the country generally clear weather. Visibility in the morning hours in the western continental areas will be locally limited. The winds will blow from western directions, in the north 3 to 5 Beaufort, in the central and south 4 to 6 and gradually in the southern Aegean up to 7 Beaufort. The temperature will drop slightly in the west and north and will reach 21 to 23 degrees in the north, 23 to 25 in the rest of the country and 26 to 27 degrees Celsius in the eastern mainland and locally in Crete. FORECAST FOR HOLY SATURDAY 04-05-2024 Initially in the west, the center and the north and gradually in the rest of the country, clouds are predicted temporarily increased with local rains and mainly in the east isolated storms. In the evening the phenomena in the west and gradually in the north will weaken and from late at night they will stop. The winds will blow west northwest and in the north north northwest, 4 to 6 and in the southern seas locally 7 Beaufort. The temperature will drop slightly, mainly in the east and south. FORECAST FOR EASTER SUNDAY 05-05-2024 In the central and southern Aegean, Evia and temporarily in the easternmost parts of Thessaly and eastern Sterea, clouds are predicted with local rains and isolated storms. The phenomena will quickly weaken from midday and will be limited to Crete, while in the rest of the regions the weather will improve. In the rest of the country, almost clear weather with a few clouds temporarily increased hours in the midday and afternoon in the continental areas, with local rains or showers mainly in the northern highlands. Winds will blow from north directions 4 to 6 and in the Aegean locally up to 7 Beaufort, with gradual weakening in the west and north. The temperature will rise, mainly in the west. FORECAST FOR EASTER MONDAY 06-05-2024 Generally clear weather and only on the mainland in the midday and afternoon hours clouds will develop mainly in the mountains, where there will be local showers and possibly isolated storms. Winds in the west and north will be variable 3 to 4 while in the rest of the country they will blow from north directions 4 to 6 Beaufort. The temperature will rise slightly across the country.

From 11.00 in the morning until late into the sunset, the SNFCC will be filled with activities in all its spaces, the festival's focus being the Great Lawn: From the Playgrounds and the Water Jets to the Mediterranean Garden, the Outdoor Games Area, the Dome and, of course, the Canal, a variety of options will be available to children and their parents.

Fideles, the highly popular and beloved duo with releases on labels such as Afterlife, Innervisions, Bedrock, Poker Flat, Still Vor Talent and their own label Imprint, comes to mark the start of the explosive season that will follow with dynamism. They are joined by Nick Devon, one of the most recognizable Greek DJs and Bolivar Steph's resident b2b Rezo. Doors Open: 21:00 Prices: Beer: 8€ Drink: 11€ Single bottle: 130€ Premium bottle from 160€

The concert had been organized in May last year under the previous municipal administration, headed at the time by ruling New Democracy’s Kostas Bakoyannis. It had been scheduled to take place on April 29 at the Olympia Theater in downtown Athens. Doukas’ decision was a response to a written appeal from the association representing the Athens Municipality’s musicians, who expressed concern that going ahead with the concert “may not be safe for the performers or the audience,” given the latest developments in Israel’s war against Hamas and other recent  conflicts. In a tweet on Tuesday, Health Minister and ND heavyweight Adonis Georgiadis lashed out at the mayor, saying that the decision to cancel the concert was “proof of how completely unsuitable” Doukas is for the post. Georgiadis also scoffed at the election of Doukas – a professor at the National Technical University of Athens who ran with the support of Socialist PASOK –  in October, saying that he was chosen “by a disparate coalition of voters of the Far Left, PASOK, and voters of [far-right Ilias] Kasidiaris chiefly on the basis of ensuring that Kostas Bakoyannis would not be re-elected.”

The Batsheva Ensemble is the younger wing of the larger Batsheva Dance Company, Israel’s premier contemporary dance company. They were originally scheduled to perform in Athens from April 12-14th, 2024. “We regret to inform you that we will not be able to travel to Athens for our production scheduled last year for safety reasons. We hope to reschedule our performances soon. With hope for better days and peace,” the dance company said in a statement posted on the Athens Concert Hall website. Ticket holders can contact the Megaron box office at 210 7282333 or tickets@megaron.gr for a refund.

The CEO of the Athens Municipality's Development and Tourist Promotion Company (EATA), Ioannis Georgizas, said the programme was the result of close collaboration with a number of cultural and creative groups, as well as official bodies, with a series of events taking place in parks, squares, streets, museums and cultural spaces, with a focus on sustainability. The events kick off with the Athens Urban Picnic at Akadimia Platonos on May 1, featuring live music, dj sets and a kite show, among others. They include a festival dedicated to Mother's Day on May 12, a Street Outdoors Party at Koumoundourou Square on the same day, a story telling event on May 16, a skateboarding contest on May 18, a fashion show featuring traditional costumes at the Dora Stratou Theatre on May 19, a latin music festival (La Saramuya Fiesta) on May 26 and many other activities. The events end with the Athens All Star Party in the Lycabettus parking lot on June 2.

A lack of male pygmy hippos in captivity had complicated breeding efforts, so zoo staff were “absolutely thrilled” the baby was a boy, Noi Psaroudaki, the zoo’s wildlife veterinarian, told Reuters. “This is the first birth in the zoo in 2024, and what a birth!” Psaroudaki said. “Every captive birth of pygmy hippos is extremely important. We’re very happy to see this baby grow into a healthy adult hippo, and hopefully one day reproduce,” she said. Pygmy hippos are native to swamps and rainforests in western Africa. They are listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and it is estimated only about 2,000-2,500 still live in the wild. Weighing 7 kg (15.4 pounds), the male calf – whose name will go to a vote – was born on Feb. 19 and joins his parents Lizzie and Jamal as the only pygmy hippos at the zoo. The hippo, solitary and nocturnal by nature, will remain with its mother for a couple of months until it ventures into the outdoors enclosure. [Reuters]   Pygmy hippo: Not only cute, but extremely important The birth of a male pygmy hippopotamus at Athens’ Attica Zoological Park on feb. 19 was viewed as an important development for the survival of its species. The hippo belongs to one of the rarest and most endangered species. It is estimated that only 2,000 – 2,500 live in the wild and more specifically in the Ivory Coast, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Their main characteristic, as evidenced by their name, is their size. It is five times smaller and 10 times lighter than ordinary hippos, while they also have a smaller upper jaw. This particular hippopotamus – still unnamed – has now reached 18 kilograms. The experts who monitor its health say that they are particularly happy with his development, adding that the fact that it is a boy is a positive development.  “The ratio of female to male pygmy hippos in zoos is 7 to 1, so you understand that the birth of a boy is important for the evolution of his species,” zoo founder and CEO, Jean Jacques Lesueur, tells Kathimerini. The young mammal’s parents, Lizzie (named after late Queen Elizabeth II, as she was born on her birthday) and Jamal, are in their 20s, and hippos of this species reach around 30 years of age in captivity. The important thing is that both have a registered family tree, as in such rare animals there is always the risk of inbreeding. “Consider that in 2023 we had a total of 12 births in zoos and about half survived. Lizzie had previously given birth to four other babies, three of whom survived. We don’t have them here in the park, just like we won’t keep the baby hippo that was just born,” he adds. The Attica Zoological Park is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) which monitors and records the genealogy and reproduction of endangered species through special programs. For each species there is a corresponding coordinator, who will decide where the little hippo will continue its life. “As soon as it reaches the age of three, its species coordinator will tell us which park to send it to, so that it can be paired with a suitable mate, thus avoiding even the slightest possibility of inbreeding,” Lesueur explains. Dimitris Posantzis, the zoo’s veterinarian, along with a colleague and the caretakers, monitored Lizzy throughout her pregnancy, but without any particular stress. “We did not have to intervene, as these animals usually give birth easily and do not require any help from us. Of course, we watched Lizzie from the first stages of her pregnancy, we did ultrasounds for the development of the fetus, while during the days when she would deliver there was additional monitoring through the cameras. Although Lizzie is now used to human presence we didn’t want to burden her by being around her all the time. Fortunately, everything went well and we are very happy,” he tells Kathimerini. Both Lesueur and Posantzis point to the contribution of zoos to saving endangered species. “There are many cases,” Lesueur says, giving as an example the Bali myna, also known as Rothschild’s mynah, a beautiful white songbird, which fell victim to the uncontrolled rare animal trade in Bali. “In 2001 there were very few left in the wild, the number recorded was 6! At the same time, however, in zoological parks the species has successfully been reproduced and through repeated reintroductions the species is beginning to recover. The current population in Bali comes from zoos. But it is still in danger.” Another example that comes up for discussion is the scimitar oryx (Oryx dammah), a species of antelope that, although it was one of the most common large mammals in the Sahara, was in danger of extinction in the 1980s-90s, as its huge horns had made it a target for hunters. It was declared “extinct from the wild” in 2000, but has now been reintroduced throughout North Africa.  “Thanks to zoo breeding programs, the species survives today,” Lesueur says, closing our discussion with the story of the Rodrigues fruit bat, also known as Rodrigues flying fox, that lived in Rodrigues, an island in the Indian Ocean. “In the 1970s, after a devastating cyclone, the population of this species dwindled to less than 100. Then the Durrell Wildlife Park on the isle of Jersey began a very successful breeding and reintroduction program. Now their population is considered safe, even in the event that disaster strikes again in nature,” he says.

The 3 vessels, the frigate LIMNOS, the submarine PAPANIKOLIS and the Fast Attack Missile HS DANIOLOS will be open to the  public on Friday 22nd March from 15:00 to 19:00, on Saturday 23rd March from 09:00 to 19:00, on Sunday 24th March from 09:00 to 19:00 and on Monday 25th March from 09:00 to 17:00. The Hellenic Navy's General Staff underlined that children aged under 12 are not allowed to visit the submarine PAPANIKOLIS.

Thousands of citizens will have fun with dancing, singing, acrobatics, the traditional merry-go-round at the Carnival events organized by the Athens Chamber of Commerce, the Municipality of Athens and OPANDA. The venue will be the historic center of the city - Syntagma, Plaka, Monastiraki - as the aim of the chamber is the revival of carnival events in the "Quarter of the Gods". "We want to see again in the streets of Plaka carnival-goers having fun with their souls, as was the case in the past. Let's once again make the most beautiful corner of Athens the center of the capital's carnival events and let this celebration be from now on a pole of attraction for residents and visitors, something that will also stimulate entrepreneurship", is the message of the president of the Athens Chamber of Commerce Yannis Hatzitheodosiou. The municipality of Athens will culminate this three-day Halloween celebration with a series of events, in neighborhoods and in the city center. For Saturday (16/3) activities for young and old have been planned in various parts of Athens. Children will create their own paper war collage in the Art Gallery, participate in an educational experiential program in Agios Georgios Square in Kypseli and have fun at the Halloween celebration on the pedestrian street at the junction of Gennai Kolokotroni and Matrozou. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens will flood the Kallidromi with its melodies, the percussion ensemble Bloco Swingueira with Brazilian rhythms and dance will perform a carnival route from the Peripheral Filopappou to Merkouri Square, while cultural clubs will revive customs in other parts of the city. In Zappeio, there will be a children's Halloween celebration and a revival of the Plakiot Carnival by the Athens Chamber of Commerce. On Halloween Sunday (17/3) young and old carnival goers will participate in two big celebrations in the center of the city. In the morning (11:30), children will go wild in their carnival costumes at Zappeion, where group games and pantomime, stilt walkers, circus artists, mascots and many surprises await them. In the afternoon, the Athens Chamber of Commerce revives, with the support of OPANDA, the traditional carnival in the streets of Plaka with a large carnival procession, which will start at 17:30 from Syntagma Square, with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens and other musical and dance forms to set the rhythm. Following the route through Ermou and Evangelistria streets, Mitropoleos Square and Pandrossou Street, the parade will end at Monastiraki Square. This will be followed by a series of spectacular acts with acrobats, impressive dancers, Brazilian dances, as well as superFire & Pyroshow and supermagic show. The event will be presented by Ioanna Maleskou and Thanos Vagios. On Clean Monday (18/3) the focus will be, as always, on the Hill of Philopappos, for the Athenians to celebrate Koulouma with music and dance and to fill the Attic sky with colorful kites. The Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens will welcome the public from 11 am, while at 12 noon the music group "Charisma" and Isidoros Pateros will take the stage. "Throughout the weekend of March 16 and 17, the streets and squares of the city turn into an endless colorful merry-go-round, with parties for children, musical meetings with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens, carnival routes with the flavor of tradition. On Clean Monday, March 18, you are all invited to Filopappos Hill to traditionally celebrate Koulouma with music, dance and Lenten food", said the mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas.   The program of events in detail Saturday, March 16 11:00 Athens Municipality Gallery Collage with confetti in the Art Gallery. Halloween museum educational program for children aged 4 to 6 years. Young visitors will observe Rika Pana's works in the exhibition space and create their own paper war collage. 11:00 Agios Georgios Kypselis Square "Carnivalize, play, tumble" - Children's educational experiential program. 11:00 Gennaiou Kolokotronis & Matrozou Children's Halloween celebration. Music, dancing, Halloween competitions for the best costume, theatrical performances, games and many surprises for the little carnival-goers. 11:30 Kallidromiou Street Musical tour of the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens 12:00 Regional Filopappou-Troon-Dorieon-Merkouri Square Carnival route with the percussion ensemble Bloco Swingueira with dance and rhythms from Brazil. 12:00 Papadiamanti Square-Halepa-Agios Andreas Lamprini Square Carnival route of the revival of lesbian skating with the participation of lesbian skaters from the Lesvos Farmers' Union "Agios Dimitrios" and the Cultural Association of Traditional Dances and Cultural Activities "O Molyvos". Sunday, March 17 11:30 Zappeio (courtyard area) Children's Halloween celebration with the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens. Music, dance, stilts, balloon construction, face painting, circus artists, group games, pantomime, mascots and many surprises for the little friends. 17:30 Syntagma Square and Monastiraki Square Revival of Plakiotiki Carnival. Action of the Professional Chamber of Athens with the support of OPANDA. Carnival parade from Syntagma Square and carnival spree in Monastiraki Square. * The event will take place simultaneously in Syntagma Square, in the surrounding streets and in Monastiraki Square. Clean Monday, March 18 Filopappou Hill 11:00 Musical walk by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens. 12:00 Concert by the band "Charisma" and Isidoros Pateros. 11:00 Park for Children & Culture (former K.A.P.A.P.S.) Traditional feast with music, dances and Lenten dishes from the Cultural Association of Ano Ampelokipi. With the support of OPANDA.  

At the popular Half Note Jazz Club (17 Trivonianou, Mets), the trio will pay homage to the legendary jazz figure, Chet Baker, known for his sensitive and cool sounds. Polyzogopoulos, a prominent figure on the contemporary Greek jazz scene, will lead the performance, bringing to life some of Baker’s most beloved jazz standards. Andreas Polyzogopoulos is one of the most important new chapters in the extremely interesting contemporary Greek, and not only, jazz scene. Born in a small village of Ilia, a multi-talented artist, he started his career in music playing the guitar, until he discovered the trumpet at the age of 18. He studied jazz trumpet at the Amsterdam Conservatory, alongside names like Paolo Fresu & Markus Stockhausen! From his first steps, Andreas Polyzogopoulos showed that he is special and in 2008 he recorded his first album entitled "Perfumed Dreams" with the band Poly Quartet and won first place in the Motives For Jazz competition in Belgium. In 2010 he became a member of the European Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has recorded 5 personal albums and participated in around 60 recordings to date. In recent years, he has been touring and distinguished himself abroad, in clubs and major festivals. He has collaborated with Jaques Morelembaum, Michel Portal, Tony Lakatos, Gunter “Baby” Sommer, Mode Plagal, Psarantoni, Savina Giannatou, Maria Farandouri, Dulce Pontes, Dimitris Kalantzi, Vangelis Katsoulis, Giorgos Kontrafouris, Takis Barberis, Than. Papakonstantinou et al. A characteristic feature of Andreas Polyzogopoulos is the constant search for the new, without the fear of risk. A look at his discography testifies to this with the acoustic and successful Pink Floyd tribute album followed by the ambient and electric album “One Inch of Love”. The European sound of jazz is the area that Andreas Polyzogopoulos feels most familiar and familiar with, with influences from Frezu, Rava, N. P. Molvær etc. considering equally important in music, rhythm and also ..silence! The three top musicians approach the sensitive and cool sound of Chet Baker, playing some of his favorite jazz standards and in the special format without drums (!), as preferred by Chet Baker himself in the last decade of his life.  Andreas Polyzogopoulos – trumpet Kostas Konstantinou – double bass Giorgos Kontrafouris – piano Tickets cost 12 euros from Viva’s more.com.

Here are seven updated places in Athens where love blossoms, accompanied by dining and drinking recommendations:

The play promises a wild ride through the darkest corners of the human psyche, in an evocative soundscape and stage set that echo the horrifying resilience of totalitarianism. In addition to the theater production, there will also be a series of concerts, also directed by Biniaris, under the title “Salo: The Concert,” featuring Greek rap artists – a creative immersion into the themes of Pasolini’s filmography, fused with present-day culture-shaping music. Tickets start from 15 Euros.