Greetings

Thessaloniki, this “ever-blooming, ageless city”, celebrates this year the sixtieth anniversary of a cultural institution that has made a substantial contribution towards establishing the city as a point of reference for contemporary culture in Southeastern Europe. A culture that holds a distinct role in our political approach, acting as a force of unity, growth and dynamism.

The focal point of this year’s celebratory events, opening on October 1st, is Seasons. Seasons that come and go, old seasons and new ones, weaving together the unique palimpsest of a city that evolves, creates, draws upon its multicultural wealth, composes and distinguishes itself through time by its unique cultural imprint and its extroversion. 

A hundred years since the birth of Manolis Anagnostakis, a poet who “dedicated his poetry to the service of his homeland and whose passions sprang from the passions of his country”. It is his eponymous work that lends its title to the 60th Dimitria Festival, as a tribute to our fellow citizen, this “wanderer of poetry”, one of the greatest intellectuals who honored Thessaloniki with his work. 

I would like to thank the Ministry of Culture for the vital support it provides, which enables us to offer Thessaloniki high-caliber events that reflect the dynamism of a city where Culture truly encounters its essence once again. 

The collaboration and synergy of cultural institutions such as the Greek National Opera, the Thessaloniki Concert Hall, the Thessaloniki State Symphony Orchestra, the National Theater of Northern Greece and the State Conservatory of Thessaloniki, provide the city with a series of unique events that once again place Thessaloniki at the forefront of cultural life, thereby realizing our vision of a city with cultural horizons open 365 days a year. 

The true wealth of our city is its culture. And it is in this culture that we invest, so that Thessaloniki may regain its collective self-confidence, dare and innovate.  

We celebrate yesterday, we dream of tomorrow — Dimitria Festival forever!

This year, Dimitria celebrates sixty years of life. Yet,  the number sixty is not just an anniversary marker.  It stands as a clear testament to how culture has always been and will always remain the beating heart of this city. The festival, embedded in Thessaloniki’s collective memory and DNA, has become the natural rhythm of our urban autumn. Leafing through the albums and catalogues of past years, I see, read and recall stories of nervous premieres and groundbreaking performances. Bold artistic choices that transformed into unforgettable nights, which are still discussed and remembered by Thessaloniki today. Nights of theater, music, dance and visual arts, moments of grandeur, experiences of unique emotion. 

I believe, however, that this year’s greeting cannot be like any before. Simply welcoming you again to the festival or thanking you warmly for your unwavering support over the years would not suffice. Equally heartfelt thanks are due to every artist, technician and volunteer who worked tirelessly, believed and participated—  together with you, the supportive audience of this city—  in making the dream of Dimitria Festival a reality. The entire city is the author of the epic of these sixty years. For this reason, I ask you to allow me to consider this year’s Festival special, significant and pivotal for the future of Thessaloniki’s culture, as the round number sixty offers us an opportunity to stand at the peak and, reflecting on the festival’s past with nostalgia, to measure its greatest moments. Of course, it is beautiful to reminisce and feel nostalgic, but the number 60 should also inspire us, so that, alongside yesterday and its emotions, we turn our gaze to tomorrow and the challenges it brings. 

The Festival, always committed to the best of today and the sparks of a digital future which is already emerging, promises to continue exploring, tracing discovering and giving a platform to new and innovative voices. Therefore, I declare that this year’s 60th Dimitria Festival, as well as those to come in the future, will not merely be an event but rather a mission. A duty which dictates that the institution research, seek, promote and amplify creative voices from across all points of the Greek and international cultural map. I urge you to experience every moment of this year’s anniversary edition to the fullest, enjoy the performances and share your emotions and enthusiasm. I wish us a wonderful celebration and a happy 60th birthday for Dimitria!

Everywhere in the city, everywhere in the world!

From Waiting for Godot by Theodoros Terzopoulos and the Berlin techno-punk ensemble Gewalt, to Mount Athos through the work of Fotis Kontoglou ; from the flying circus of the French Galactik Ensemble and the Argentine tangos of Richard Galliano with the New Viaggio Trio, to the Golden Age by Konstantinos Rigos. Check out this year’s Dimitria playlist and festival recommendations, which offer a month-long program of exceptional cultural events. Immerse yourself in the spirit of Seasons, the key word borrowed from the title of Manolis Anagnostakis’ first poetry collection. We honor the hundredth anniversary of the poet’s birth, while also marking this pivotal milestone for the festival. Dimitria turned sixty, infusing each autumn with new meaning through extraordinary qualities and performances.

From Madre Salonico by Leon Nar and Sillilab: No difference between ho ho ho!!! by Roula Pateraki, to the operetta I Want to See the Pope! by Theofrastos Sakellaridis, and from German literary superstar Sebastien Fitzek, arriving in the city for a unique conversation with readers, to the Viennese musical ensemble Original Wiener Johann Strauss Capelle — choose the repertoire that suits you and step out into the city to experience this grand celebration!