Greece’s August 15 Full Moon Comes with Free Events at Museums, Sites

Photo Source: @National Archaeological Museum of Athens

Events will be held throughout Greece during August 11-19

A number of cultural events, including concerts, poetry readings, guided tours and theater performances, will take place on August 15 at Greece’s archaeological sites and museums to mark the full moon celebrations.

Ancient city of Amphipolis. Photo: © Regional Division of Serres

According to an announcement by the Culture Ministry, events will be held throughout the country during August 11-19 and will reach a finale on August 15 when a total of 97 sites will remain open until late at night with free admission for the public.

The events are part of the Culture Ministry’s “Under the Moonlight” series, which is celebrated annually since 2002, attracting all the more visitors every year.

In 2018, the full moon celebrations hosted over 100,000 visitors, compared to 74,970 in 2017, and 63,795 in 2016.

The Culture Ministry offers updated information on the August 15 full moon events, through its website in English and in Greek.

The August 15 Holiday

This year’s August full moon coincides with the religious celebrations for Virgin Mary’s spiritual sleep and departure from the physical realm.

On August 15, churches and chapels, monasteries and nunneries commemorate the passing of the Theotokos or the “God bearer” and communities of faithful hold massive feasts.

Therefore, the Ministry’s “August full moon” poster for 2019, depicts the Monastery of Panagia Chrysopigi, a landmark site located on the island of Sifnos.