Piraeus: ‘Sea Days’ Event Opens for 10th Year on May 24

The mascot of the Sea Days 2024 event in Piraeus. Photo source: Municipality of Piraeus

Piraeus is gearing up to celebrate maritime culture and history at the Sea Days 2024 event, marking its 10th year with a diverse range of activities from May 24 to June 2.

This year, Piraeus will host a panorama of events including exhibitions, concerts, sports activities, workshops, and guided tours of the port, many historical attractions, and neighborhoods closely connected to the shipping industry.

The Sea Days event, held annually since 2015, pays tribute to culture, sports, history, and education in one of Europe’s largest ports, with the goal of familiarizing both residents and visitors with the city’s rich maritime traditions.

A program full of sea-inspired activities

Art exhibition from the Sea Days 2023. Photo source: Sea Days

The opening ceremony, featuring a concert by the renowned Greek group Onirama, is scheduled for May 23 at 8 pm at the Piraeus Municipal Theater.

The Sea Days 2024 program promises to captivate both children and adults with more than 100 free events and activities inspired by the sea. These include photography and art exhibitions, guided tours of various neighborhoods, workshops, conferences, traditional Greek shadow theater, as well as concerts and dance performances.

Highlights

Concert at the Municipal Theater from Sea Days 2023. Photo source: Sea Days

Following is a selection of events to take place during Sea Days 2024:

– Blue Cycle Open Day, Bluecycle Factory, May 24, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: A workshop dedicated to the recycling of fishing and nautical equipment.

– Guided tour of the Institute of Merchant Shipping, May 24, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: During the tour, participants will explore one of the most significant institutions of the Greek shipping industry and discover the history of shipping from prehistoric times until the 21st century.

– The Island of Pirates, Peace and Friendship Stadium, May 25, 10 a.m.: Starting on May 25, the event will last until May 26, hosting interactive activities and games for kids from 5 to 10 years old.

– Tour of the Hellenic Naval Academy, May 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: The one-hour guided tours will give visitors the opportunity to learn more about the history of the academy and its premises. A valid identity card is required for entry to the academy.

– Career prospects of young people in the shipping industry, Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry, May 26, 4–8 p.m.: Workshop about the job opportunities of young people in the shipping sector. The event will see the participation of renowned professors from the University of Piraeus and West Attica.

– Be a Captain for a Day, Metropolitan College, May 27, 5 p.m.: Nautical event during which there will be a presentation of navigation through the use of the bridge simulator.

– 6th International Conference on Maritime Education, Aikaterini Laskaridis Foundation, May 28, 5-8 p.m.: During the conference, participants will discuss the aspects and challenges of sustainability in shipping.

– Blue Economy: Sustainability and Education, Dodecanese Hestia, May 29, 5-6.30 p.m.: The advisory company IDEC will present two educational projects funded by the European Union for the education of young students on the blue economy and the development of their digital skills.

– Posidonia Cup 2024: Sailing Races, Faliro Bay, May 31, 1–5 p.m.: The races will be held in the context of the Posidonia Exhibition 2024.

Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis with the Sea Days’ mascot. Photo source: Municipality of Piraeus

With the Sea Days event, the municipality aims to increase visitors to the port city and showcase its main attractions and history.

“Every year, Sea Days grow and strengthen, aiming to satisfy the people of Piraeus and attract thousands of visitors to our city,” Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis said during a recent press conference held to announce the event’s program.

In an effort to stimulate the local market, the city’s Chamber of Commerce will organize the “Blue Night,” keeping shops open until late. Additionally, a fashion show featuring the city’s fashion shops will take place in the forecourt of the Municipal Theater.

The festivities will conclude on June 2 with a concert by the renowned Greek singer Glykeria.