The vibrant city of Athens is gearing up for its most anticipated night of the year—the New Year's Eve celebration at Syntagma Square, which promises to welcome 2025 with grandeur and inclusivity. Under the artistic direction of renowned musician Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς, the event, titled "Ταράτσα του Χρόνου" or "Terrace of Time", will showcase various performances, musical spectacles, and visually stunning displays, making it one of the highlights of the city's cultural calendar.
This year, attendees can expect electrifying performances from iconic Greek artists, including Νατάσσα Μποφίλιου and Μάρθα Φριντζήλα, who are set to grace the stage alongside veteran performer Θανάσης Αλευράς. The event, undertaken by the City of Athens, aims to create a uniquely immersive experience, celebrating Athens' rich history from 1945 to the present day. The Mayor of Athens, Χάρης Δούκας, will also be present as he counts down to the new year with the crowd.
Taking significant steps toward innovation, this year's celebration marks the first time the event will feature silent fireworks, ensuring the comfort of both humans and animals alike. Accompanying these will be drones illuminating the night sky—an impressive display expected to captivate audiences and symbolize the city's future as the clock strikes midnight.
While live public broadcasts have traditionally covered the full scope of the Syntagma celebrations, this year, the public television channel ERT will restrict its coverage to just 15 minutes, focusing only on the countdown itself. This decision left many fans disappointed; as Φοίβος Δεληβοριάς expressed publicly, “Δυστυχώς θα παρακολουθήσετε μόνο την αλλαγή του χρόνου. Δεν δέχθηκε η ΕΡΤ να το μεταδώσει.” (Unfortunately, you will only see the countdown because ERT refused to broadcast it)
But, there's good news for fans and those unable to attend the celebrations live: the entire performance will be streamed on YouTube, allowing audiences worldwide to join the festivities. "Η 'ΤΑΡΑΤΣΑ ΤΟΥ ΧΡΟΝΟΥ' ΖΩΝΤΑΝΑ ΣΤΟ ΥΟUTUBE!" (The Terrace of Time Live on YouTube!), says Φοίβος, highlighting the access this provides for those who wish to celebrate from afar.
For anyone wanting to tune in from home, the live stream may be accessed on the official YouTube channel of the City of Athens and also through estage.gr, which assists with the event's online broadcasting. This inclusivity reflects the city's commitment to bringing the joyful celebration of transitioning to the new year to as many people as possible.
Prior to the performance kick-off, the evening will commence with the Municipal Philharmonic Orchestra of Athens, setting the tone for what promises to be joyful and vivid festivities. Following this musical introduction, the dynamic DJ duo from EnLefko 87.7 will take over, providing lively entertainment to dance the night away as the celebration proceeds.
Throughout the night, attendees and viewers alike will be treated to colorful and comical theatrical sketches, music, dance, and surprises, all crafted around the narrative of Athens' illustrious past and promising future. The unique production promises not only to entertain but also to encapsulate the spirit of the times through various artistic expressions and reminders of the happenings across decades.
With the interwoven themes of history, community, and entertainment, this year's New Year's Eve celebration at Syntagma Square embodies the spirit of Athens—past, present, and future. It's not just about saying goodbye to one year and welcoming another; it’s about coming together, reflecting on shared experiences, and embracing the opportunities and challenges to come.
This vibrant celebration is set to uphold Athens' tradition of festive gatherings, making the switch from 2024 to 2025 not only memorable but also more accessible than ever, bridging distances through modern technology and art.