Soprano Christina Poulitsi performing some of Callas iconic roles during the event at the Roman Agora. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
Greece is placing culture at the center of its tourism strategy, showcasing historical landmarks and artistic achievements to attract international visitors.
A special event marking the 70th anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival (AEF) highlighted this approach, bringing together prominent figures from Greece’s political sphere and international community.
Held on September 16 at the Roman Agora, the event honored renowned Greek soprano Maria Callas, marking 48 years since her passing and reviving some of her most celebrated performances.
“In these seven decades, the festival has grown into an international institution,” said Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. “The coexistence of culture and tourism has always been our great strength, our constant effort, and our central strategy — for qualitative growth, sustainable tourism, and a society that prospers.”
Soprano Christina Poulitsi with Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni. Photo source: Tourism Ministry
The choice of the Roman Agora, a monument of great historical significance beneath the Acropolis, emphasized Greece’s enduring relationship with art, linking the city’s ancient past with contemporary artistic expression.
The event also underscored the lasting value of Greece’s cultural heritage, reaffirming the ministry’s commitment to promoting culture as a core tourism experience.
Honoring Maria Callas’ legacy at the Athens Epidaurus Festival
Official poster of Maria Callas’ 1961 performance as Medea at the Athens Epidaurus Festival. Photo source: Greek National Opera
Launched in 1955 by the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), the festival was established to place Greek culture in the spotlight of the tourism experience.
Maria Callas has been a defining figure for the Athens Epidaurus Festival since her 1961 performance as Medea in Cherubini’s opera at the Ancient Theater of Epidaurus — a milestone that marked Greece’s emergence as a destination for leading international artists.
At the recent event, her legacy was brought to life by Greek soprano Christina Poulitsi and the Symphonic Orchestra of ERT, Greece’s national broadcaster.
The performance was attended by Greek and international officials, including ambassadors from Egypt, Australia, the UAE, Japan, Germany, Israel, South Korea, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia, as well as chargés d’affaires from Canada, Poland, and Sweden.
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