2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture presents the Ecoculture Festival, one of the most significant legacy projects of its artistic program, which will take place from 3 to 6 October in Elefsina, the wider Thriasian Field, and neighboring cities such as the municipalities of Corinth, Loutraki, Perachora, and Agioi Theodoroi.
The festival sets the stage for changing how we perceive coexistence with the environment through small habits, exploring ways of life (#life) closer to nature, such as picnics with music, hiking, thermal baths, live gastronomic events, and other experiential activities. In addition, through discussions (#dialogues), themes are developed with the participation of scientists, academics, artists, and active citizens about the impact of the climate crisis on different ecosystems (from stars to water and on lifestyle, coexistence, and cultivation), as well as ways to address disasters. At the same time, scientific and artistic workshops (#workshops) are held for children and adults, along with artistic works and events (#art), including visual installations, performances, screenings, and specially designed walks in collaboration with artists and curators from Greece and abroad. The Ecoculture Festival features many important and interesting collaborations with art, science, and educational organizations such as Save Ios, Land & Water, the University of West Attica, the Hellenic Mountaineering Association of Elefsina, the Municipality of Corinth, and the Municipality of Loutraki – Perachora – Agioi Theodoroi.
The festival primarily takes place outdoors, making the most of each location’s unique characteristics to create a program that “communicates” with the environment and offers an immersive experience. The activities unfold in various parts of Elefsina, and new green spaces, like the Observatory in Stefani, Corinth, and Pefkakia in Agioi Theodoroi, are added to the festival’s map.
The festival revolves around four key themes: the concept of ecoculture and how it influences and impacts life today; the sky, light pollution, and its effects on the immediate environment; water and the planet’s issues related to scarcity; and the Earth, wildfires, and the climate crisis.
Mystery 37: Voices of Elefsina, the city’s community radio, will follow the festival’s actions throughout and broadcast the vibe via its website, voicesofelefsina.eu.
Ecoculture Festival: A Legacy Project
The pioneering environmental awareness institution, Ecoculture Festival, is being passed down from the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture after the title year has concluded, benefiting both the city and the surrounding region that shares common characteristics with Elefsina. Initially, the festival was designed in response to the region’s specific features, namely its history of environmental degradation due to excessive industrial activity. It focuses on ecoculture, exploring how climate change, environmental pollution, and alignment with the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals influence everyday life.
This creates an opportunity to expand discussions around aspects of ecoculture related to the primary sector and the impact of climate change on peri-urban environments, both in terms of land and groundwater. Ultimately, the aim is to elevate the festival locations into an international meeting point for redefining our relationship with the environment and sustainable development.
The detailed festival program will be announced soon.
