TiACF24: Greek Folklore Festivities

Spread the word: The summer months are no longer the main act in Athens. May is.

This is Athens - City Festival is back for its third edition this May with free admission*. The biggest annual spring festival in the Greek capital will take place throughout May and will even be stealing a few days from June. You see, this year's programme proved to be so packed, we couldn't possibly squeeze it into just 31 days. Thoroughly designed with a sustainable mindset, the festival’s rich agenda includes more than 250 events that will take place all over Athens in more diverse areas than ever before. Click here for our selection of the festival’s events, or head over to the official website for the full programme.

Can't have a Greek festival without a touch of folklore. Well, much more than just a touch really, as this year's TiACF programme includes some spectacular events that showcase traditional Greek music and dance. And the location chosen for each and every one of these events is... chef's kiss! Especially the Plaka catwalk by the Dora Stratou Theatre. Here's what you don't want to miss:

Serenaders of Athens, Plaka, Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments 06& 23/05, 8 - 10 pm: Journey back to the Athens of yesteryear and enjoy sounds that once filled the taverns of Plaka, Psirri and Omonia, in the company of modern-day serenaders.
The Athens Panigiri, Plato’s Academy, 19/05, 6 pm: You've seen the videos on TikTok and Instagram, now it's time to grab a stranger's hand and join the euphoric dance circle.
Polyphonic Caravan, Philopappou Hill (12/05) & Aiolou Street (13/05) & Holy Church of Saint Philip the Apostle at Blassarou (14/05), 7 pm: Don't miss these pop-up polyphonic performances set up at key intersections in the city by the brilliant folklore cultural club, which is listed in UNESCO's Good Practices for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Evritiki Zygia, National Archaeological Museum, 23/05, 9 pm - 11 pm: Drawing their sound from the dark, pagan musical tradition of Thrace, the band that reintroduced traditional Greek music to a whole new generation make their debut at this year's TiACF.
Giasemi Quartet, Mitropoleos Square, 28/05, 8.30 pm: Join the locals for an evening dedicated to the rich musical tradition of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

* Most events are free entrance and require no tickets, to the exception of some concerts that have a priced ticket, and some events that are free entrance but require pre-registration or are invitation-only. All related information to each of the festival's events can be found on the festival's website, under the page for each event.