The Opening Ceremony is inspired by the history and the mythology of the city: the Processions and the link between the Upper World and the Underworld. On the afternoon of Saturday 4 February, four Processions of people arrive at the city of Elefsina from sea and land.
Start time: 13.30 – Archaeological site of Kerameikos, Athens
21 km | Procession #1
Invited walkers from all over Greece will travel the entire Sacred Way, traversing the geography of Attica and thus connecting Athens with Elefsina. Welcome her together with the runners of Elefsina at 15.40 at the entrance of the city, but also at 16.15 at the Archaeological Site of Elefsina.
Start time: 15.15 – Πειραιάς
“Sacred” Sea Route |Procession #2
The ship Protoporos “moors” at 16.15 at the port of the city, having sailed from Piraeus, on the first route of the “Sacred” Sea Route: a unique guided experience, to the sounds of favorite songs by leading Greek composers, uniquely interpreted by Melina Merkouri, in arrangements by Nikos Bitzenis.
Start time: 15.30 – Elefsina, 11 different points
Elefsinian Movement, with 14 folklore associations of Elefsina| Procession #3
The Elefsinian Movement will pour into the city, at 15.30, from 11 different points, flooding the streets with music and dance. United the 14 folklore associations of Elefsina – under the artistic direction of Jenny Argyriou and Vasilis Gerodimos – will form a big dance highlighting Elefsina as the birthplace of movements and multiple cultural identities. More than 600 participants will meet on Saturday, February 4, at 4:00 p.m., on Kanellopoulou Street, at the junction with Kontouli & Nikolaidou Street, and as one body will head to the Old Olive Mill of Elefsina.
Start time: 15:45 – Elefsina, Elaiourgiki
TimeCircus, the largest and greatest pilgrimage procession in Elefsina’s 3,500 year history| Procession #4
TimeCircus, the Belgian collective from Antwerp, which traversed Europe with a land ship (the Landship), that moves only with human strength, make their ceremonial entrance in the city of Elefsina. Meet them at 15.45 at Elaiourgiki.
In a historic moment for the city as well as the event, the four processions will meet in the surroundings of the Old Olive Mill at 17:00.
