Events in Athens during 2012 - Car Hire

While visiting Athens there are many noteworthy events that might take place just near your location in Athens. Here you will not only find information about the city of Athens but also useful and resourceful tips on the most popular events in Athens that EconomyCarRentals team has gathered for you.

In the Videos page of EconomyCarRentals.co.uk you can take a short 'city tour' even before arriving in Athens.
In Athens you may find events to suit all ages and tastes and the most perfect part is that they are all easy to reach with your car hire. More events in Greece. Participate in the festivities and celebrations organised by the city of your choice to learn more about the locals as well as their culture and their way of thinking.

The reviews that our customers share with us on our Reviews Page help you get a taste of the service offered by our car hire partners in Athens. Enjoy exploring Athens with the help of your car hire but first check out the weather on our Weather Page! Find an accommodation in Athens. Possibly near the best events of the year!

January

Epiphany in Athens (6th January) – A religious event sees the gathering of Greek people to celebrate the birth of Jesus and his baptism by John the Baptist. At Piraeus harbour an orthodox priest throws a cross into the cold sea and swimmers battle to rescue it. Whoever rescues it first receives a blessing and is said to have good luck for the New Year.

June

Epidaurus Festival (June to August) – An annual cultural event in Athens that takes place at Odeon of Herodes Atticus as well as other ancient theatres such as The Lycabettus Theatre and The Epidaurus theatre. (www.greekfestival.gr/en/)
Athens Pride – This annual street festival in Athens is organised by The Athens Pride group. The goal of this event is to combat discrimination in the gay society. (http://www.athenspride.eu/v2/)

February

Kathari Deftera or Clean Monday - Heralding the start of Spring, this event in Athens sees the Greeks abstaining from certain foods and the children fly colourful kites on this national holiday.

July

Rockwave Festival – Terra Vibe Park in Malakasa is the setting for the largest pop rock festival in Athens which draws a large number of fans of this type of music. (www.rockwavefestival.gr)

March

Oenorama Event – This annual festival in Athens is a prestigious wine exhibition incorporating a vast number of wines from all corners of Greece. (www.oenorama.com)
Independence Day (25th March) - This is a national holiday in Greece where homage is paid to this victorious day when Greek civilisation gained independence from Turkey after a rule of 400 years. It is commemorated by children parading and military marches taking place at Syntagma Square in Athens.
Athens International Sci-Fi and Fantasy Film Festival – This interesting one week event in Athens is for the Sci-Fi enthusiast as they are able to celebrate the best films from this sector of the film industry.
Comicdom (March - April) – This festival in Athens is dedicated to comics including the best comic being bestowed with the Comicdom Award. (www.comicdom-con.gr)

October

Ochi day or No day (28th October) - This event in Athens sees a parade taking place place through the main streets to commemorate when the Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas refused to allow Italy’s leader Benito Mussolini to strategically occupy key locations. This refusal resulted in drawing Greece into the Second World War in 1940.

April

Easter Holy Week (early April) - This event in Athens is one of the major religious festivals in Greece and celebrates the run up to Easter (Palm Sunday, Good Friday). Festivities include religious activities, fasting together with church services throughout Athens.
Kifissia Flower Show (April - May) – Kifissia Park is where this spectacular festival in Athens takes place exhibiting more than 50 different species of flowers. Also featured are stalls selling gardening related items and demonstrations.

December

Christmas in Athens – This seasonal time of year sees Syntagma Square in Athens adorned with Christmas decorations. The annual lighting of the Christmas tree takes place while entertainment, music and dance accompany the festivities.

May

Art Athina – This is an annual contemporary art fair event in Athens staged to promote this form of art in Greece. (www.art-athina.gr)
Eco Art Festival (5th May – 5th June) - A diverse cultural event in Athens that aims to develop and advocate environmental awareness which is showcased through films, theatre, music, art exhibitions, conferences and other themes. (www.cleanupgreece.org.gr)
FIA World Rally Championship: Acropolis (May - June) – The town of Loutraki stages this popular rally event in Athens for the sport enthusiast. (www.acropolisrally.gr)