We bid farewell to Despina Geroulanou, our President, with ineffable sorrow. She was the soul, heart and brilliant light of the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, and a person, who, for decades, identified her life with contemporary Greek culture. It was due to her ingenuity, openness, commitment, culture, kindness and smile that the city of Elefsina has been able to attract worldwide interest in the field of culture. Her imprint will forever remain identified with the institution of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture, but also with the future of Elefsina, a city that Despina loved deeply, with respect and unselfishly.
All of us, who have worked closely with her, owe her immense gratitude. We are all in great mourning for her loss.
We would like to extend our sincere condolences to her family.
P.S.
Before we move on addressing you eternally at a second singular person,
our dear Despina,
Today, the World Heritage Day is honored with the loss of one of its unique heralds: You.
Time is unfair, when it is unable to cease – even for an instant!
Just to comprehend what has happened …
From today onwards, we let our unspeakable mourning to become a song and an epic in honor of you, our precious one.
From today onwards, this Capital of Culture acquires a historical uniqueness: it is wholeheartedly dedicated not only to a prominent city but also to a unique person!
In honor of you, our beloved, all of us together, we will do our best to turn this unspeakable mourning into strength, duty, joy and creativity. To make your irreplaceable smile shine forever and your beloved city Elefsina a shining constellation.
And may our songs find you wherever you are!
A toast for Despina
“I can settle for nothing but resurrection”
On behalf of 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture
Nana Spyropoulou
CEO
Michail Marmarinos
General Artistic Director
