Pages
▼
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
UNESCO Tribute to the Greek Island of Syros
UNESCO is organizing a seven-day tribute, this week, to the beauty and unique culture of the Greek island of Syros in Athens, Greece. The neoclassical building of the Hellenic ICOMOS headquarters, will host an event that will acquaint people with the island’s history. Syros is where the great Greek rebetiko musician Markos Vamvakaris was born as well as the place that inspired his famous song “Frankosyriani.” Guests will have the opportunity to explore the island through art pieces. Syros’ cosmopolitan aura will be displayed through a photography exhibition and various visual art projects, book reviews, traditional products tastings, traditional dances, music and video presentations. President of the UNESCO club of the Departments of Piraeus and Islands, Vice President of the World Federation of Clubs, Associations and Centres of UNESCO (WFUCA) and the one responsible for Europe and North America, Ioannis Maronitis said: “Syros, is a unique place full of history and culture. Théophile Gautier described the island as “the omphalos of Greece.” Such a special place could not be missing from our cultural activities. We prepared a journey through the Cycladic culture, the elaborate architecture, the history of rebetika and of course the folk art and contemporary cultural activity. The residents of Syros gave us inspiration and optimism for the future.”