Athens Car-free Festival Attracts 15,000 Visitors to Over 20 Events

Photo source: Athens Municipality

The first “World Car-Free Day” Festival, organized by the Athens Municipality, attracted over 15,000 visitors to more than 20 events celebrating a car-free and sustainable city.

For 24 hours, Athinas Street became the background for street celebrations, where bicycles, skates, and rollerblades replaced cars, emphasizing the importance of green transportation practices.

Starting on September 21 at 8pm, the city center buzzed with vibrant events, including live music performances, midnight movie screenings, educational bicycle programs, traffic safety workshops, and various recreational activities.

“For 24 hours, Athens transformed into a more welcoming city for both residents and visitors, delivering a powerful message from Athinas Street in support of green and sustainable transportation,” said Athens Development and Destination Management Agency (ADDMA) CEO Ioannis Georgizas.

Photo source: Athens Municipality

The inaugural event gave residents and visitors the chance to participate in a team “skating race” that kicked off the festival, followed by a lively street party featuring vibrant Balkan rhythms to entertain the crowd.

On September 22, the De Profundis Ensemble orchestra performed some of the most renowned classical music pieces, while Municipal Councilor for Historical Promotion, Artemis Skoubourdi, guided visitors on a tour of the buildings along Athinas Street.

The festivities concluded at 8pm with a grand performance by the Greek band Locomondo, thrilling thousands of visitors in the heart of Athens.

Photo source: Athens Municipality

“We will keep striving to create a city where public space belongs to everyone, centered on public transport, bicycles, and alternative modes of transportation,” remarked Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

The “World Car-Free Day” Festival was organized on the occasion of the International Car Free Day on September 22, with the support of ADDMA.