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Presentation in Athens 16 Nov 2015
The capital of the Greek island of Lesvos, Mytilene is enlisting its history, architecture, poetry, art, literature and gastronomy in its bid to be named European Cultural Capital 2021.
The birthplace of ancient poet Sappho, folk artist Theophilos and art patron Teriade, among others, is vying for the coveted title, and Lesvos Mayor Spyros Galinos will be presenting the official bid titled “Mytilene – Lesvos 2021” on November 16, at the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
The event will include the screening of a film, a poetry reading featuring the verse of Sappho set to music by Nikos Xanthoulis, who will also play the ancient seven-stringed lyre.
“Besides Mytilene’s important role in the history of culture and its unique architectural landscape, the island’s recent predicament as the largest refugee gateway, which earned the attention of the entire world for its compassionate handling, may very well be an asset in view of the city’s bid,” Mayor Galinos said.
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