An outdoor movie in Greece is a must do
Photography: cottonbro
“Outdoor cinemas (“therina cinema” or “kalokairina cinema” in Greek) are a major part of Greek culture one must experience while in Greece.”
Even though open air cinemas started in Berlin, the idea really caught on in post war Greece. At one stage there were more than 600 in Athens alone. Today around 90 are still up and running all over Greece.
For the less fortunate who never had the pleasure of entering one, imagine this: you have a big yard-like open space with some trees; only the entrance of the place has a roof over it, with a small ticket booth and another next to it with the film projector and equipment; and a small canteen filled with cold beers and refreshments, chips and popcorn, and all the lovely treats that best suit a good movie.
The floor of the main area is usually covered with fine gravel, rows of old garden style chairs, and a few scattered café style round tables. The movie normally starts when the sun goes down; and as darkness falls, the day’s heat retreats and jasmine and honeysuckle plants, usually covering the surrounding walls, start spreading a distinct and pleasurable aroma. The smell from the food and beer or ouzo from the spectator’s tables, completes the scent of the place.
This is what makes up the Greek open air summer cinema. Between apartment buildings or gardens; it's a typical Greek memory, one which CNN Travel and Time have on their list of top ten things to do in Athens.
WHEN
Since 2013, the annual Athens Open-Air Film Festival has run from June to August. It’s the only event of its kind in Greece.
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