Monday, November 25, 2013 In Memory of Seamus Heaney at Acropolis Museum

Thirty-seven days before Thessaloniki officially takes the helm as Europe’s Youth Capital for 2014, the city’s mayor, Yannis Boutaris, and "Thessaloniki 2014" officials unveiled the official programme of events in the City of Athens Information Centre.

The curtain will open on December 31 with a party in front of the city’s iconic White Tower. More than 150 events are scheduled, divided roughly into two categories: hosting international events and special actions for the city’s youth.

International events include the "Reclaim the Future" seminar, focusing on the future of young people in Europe after the crisis (to be held in May, 2014), a European Youth Meeting in the context of the Greek Presidency of the EU in March, the International Meeting of Erasmus students in November, and the World Rowing Championships in October, which are expected to attract more than 10,000 visitors.
Youth actions feature more than 20 competitions on video, photography, graffiti, decoration, gastronomy, poetry, essay, jewellery, recyclables, theatre, music and painting and much more. A relatively depressed area will be revamped and turned into the "Park of the Natons," dedicated to the UN. Events will also be held in cities abroad, including Berlin, London, St. Petersburg and Istanbul, while the Cocomat Company will hold "Thessaloniki Weeks" in its many shops and hotels around the world.