The European Capital of Culture (ECoC) title was launched in 1985 on the initiative of Melina Mercouri, and has since become one of the most prestigious and high-profile cultural events/institutions in Europe.

The 2023 Eleusis attempts to reveal the unseen side of Elefsina, signaling a new era for the city and its people.

The three central thematic axes of the 2023 Eleusis program are: People/Society, Environment and Labour