The Apaches of Athens

Ready, steady, glow! Christmas in Athens is on and the City has announced its festive programme, packed with free events taking place all across Athens. From December 1st until January 7th (when the festive season officially ends in our parts), Athens will wear its most Yuletide colours, offering 38 days of non-stop festive fun for all types and ages. With free music concerts in both central locations and off-the-beaten track paths, children's activities and street parties, as well as the decked out schedule of the Kypseli Municipal Market, and a Christmas village in every neighbourhood, you'll always be two steps away from Christmas wherever you go in Athens this December.

If you've never heard of The Apaches of Athens, here's the story in a nutshell. Directed by Dimitris Gaziadis in 1930, it is the oldest film with sound and music ever made in Greece. The reel was thought to be long lost until it was found in the files of the Cinémathèque Française (French Film Library). After a thorough restoration, 4K digitisation and re-composition of the soundtrack, The Apaches of Athens is now in tip- top shape. 

The film is based on the famous 1921 Greek operetta of the same name by Nikos Hadjiapostolou and Giannis Prineas, in which Viennese operetta meets the charming simplicity of mid-war Athens. The 1930 film spectacularly captures some of Athens' most important landmarks, as well as everyday life in the Athens of yesteryear.

Vasilis Mavrogeorgiou directs Olympia's latest production, leading a cast of exceptional singers in a swirling musical feast just in time for Christmas.

For more Christmas inspiration, check out this season's events here.