A major part of festive events within the festival takes place in the harbor and in the Poseidon Avenue. According to one of the theories the moment of the festival establishment dates back to ancient times. Later on the holiday was identified with Dionysus. However during the fest in the ancient Greece offerings were brought to other gods and idols as well and to Aphrodite and Demeter in particular. The theme of the festival is rather simple. It is held to celebrate spring coming.
As many years before so now the main event of the festival is the parade of flowers. Thousands of people travel down the central streets of the city carrying fresh fragrant flower bouquets. Anybody can take part in this symbolic ceremony. The festival in which all contemporary tourists can take part was first held in 1920. In the middle of the past century the Anthestiria Flower festival was referred to theme ecological events.
Since that time environmental protection seminars and lectures are an essential part of the festival. Local florists and gardeners, demonstrating their skills and fruits of their labor, take part in the festival. During the event tourists may visit different exhibitions and engaging excursions being of great interest to every visitor almost every day. Bright parades and exhibitions, theatrical performances and concerts, sport and gastronomy events will entertain and amuse the visitors of the festival.
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