Eleusis European Capital of Culture 2023

The biggest cultural event in Europe begins in the historic city of Elefsina!

130 artworks | 465 cultural events | 30 venues | 17 different type of art | 192 Greek & 137 International Artists from 30 countries in 1 city

The European Capital of Culture returns in 2023 to its native land. With culture and art, the city of Elefsina and Greece in general, emerges as a source of social development, innovation and collectivity. The 2023 Eleusis Cultural Capital of Europe presents a rich and innovative artistic, research and educational program titled MYSTERIES OF TRANSITION, which develops in three central thematic axes: People/Society, Labour and Environment. a sustainable legacy beyond the boundaries of the title year. Much like every city chosen to be a new Capital of Culture, Elefsina seems to constitute a field of research, a Model for studying contemporary European issues concerning society, people and relationships, Labour, the Environment, and sustainable Development, as these all appear to connect, collide, or cross within a modern-day city.


The Opening Ceremony constitutes the official and emblematic launch of the artistic program of the 2023 Eleusis European Capital of Culture. A celebration open to all, which will take place on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 19:00, on the city’s seafront with a central event, “Mystery_0 Mysteries of Transition”, in the conception of the General Artistic Director, Michail Marmarinos and directed by distinguished British director, Chris Baldwin.

The MYSTERIES OF TRANSITION programme draws inspiration from Elefsina, its history, as well as the contemporary challenges that govern it, presenting throughout 2023, a total of 465 productions in 30 different venues in the city, hosting more than 300 distinguished artists from Europe, America and Asia. Among others, the 2023 Eleusis program includes: Romeo Castellucci, Sasha Waltz, Jochen Sandig, Heiner Goebbels, Katerina Gregou & the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Theodoros Kourentzis, TimeCircus, Evripidis Laskaridis, Eleni Karaindrou, Haruka Hirayama, Yannis Houvardas, Juan Sandoval, Patricia Apergi, Nikos Navridis, Vana Xenou, Roxane Revon, Lina Bertucci, Menelaos Karamaggiolis, Maria Papadimitriou, Eva Stefani, Nikita Milivojević, Thodoris Economou, Eleftheria Deco, Thierry De Mey & Percussions de Strasbourg, Syllas Tzoumerkas, Lena Kitsopoulou, Marina Satti, Philippos Koutsaftis, Evi Kalogiropoulou, Navine G. Dossos, Athens State Orchestra, Marina Fokidi, Dresden Symphony Orchestra, Yolanda Markopoulou, Christodoulos Panagiotou, Novoflot, Humanhood, Argyro Chioti, Dome Wood & Sam Steverlynck, Angela Bruscou, Steven Berkoff, Intercultural Alternative Stage Orchestra National Opera, Stereo Nova.

Eleusis hosts world premiere artworks, highlights artists from the local community, plans educational and urban reconstruction programs, all the while transforming the city into a cultural hub with daily events and activities throughout 2023. The realisation of the program has taken place by collaborating with national institutions - such as the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST), the Benaki Museum, the Athens Epidaurus Festival and the Thessaloniki Film Festival – as well as with 137 international partners. An international networking strategy has been implemented which contributed decisively to the creation of a multifaceted program.

Watch the highlights of the Opening Ceremony.


For more info: 2023eleusis.eu