With the central slogan “You are part of Athens” it is hosted for the first time by the municipality of Athens. Civil Society Festivalwhich started today, Friday, at his house Serafio (on Piraeus Street), and its events will end Weekends (22 and 23/4).

In a conversation with “K”, Deputy Mayor of Social Solidarity, Katerina Gagaki, emphasized that the intention was “to bring together organizations from many thematic areas so that there is cooperation, participation, inclusion and to send a message of union.” Walking among the dozens of installed stands, you’ll find they’ve pretty much done well, as there are strong diversitywith his omnipresent volunteering – the quintessence of civil society, in other words.

The Mayor of Athens himself noted that it is “a colorful celebration of sensitivity, contribution, solidarity and cooperation that unites all parts of the city and its inhabitants, organized for the first time this year by the Municipality of Athens through Syn Athena.”

Civil society organizations, bodies and groups are connected through seven themes Festivals: Human Rights, Child, Health and Wellbeing, Culture, Love for Animals, Environment and Sustainability, Solidarity.

In kiosks you can find from KYADA before Homeless Antique Bookstore and from activists of organizations for the protection of animals before them Doctors of the world And Doctors Without Borders. There is also “Another manwhich he prepared for the whole world.

The atmosphere is beautiful, the music fills the space, it’s like a big open-air party: “We have an incredible festival, the first civil society festival held in the municipality of Athens, with approx. 190 organizations. Big holiday with endless activities from 10:00 to 22:00, per hour, at 19 different locations. All organizations have interesting events for all ages,” emphasizes Ms. Gagaki.

Participants are introduced to the public in order to get to know them better and strengthen their mission.

K. Gagaki invited the townspeople to visit this place: “This is a big holiday, there is radio, music, concerts, many interesting events. Those who have children, I think, will not have time to choose activities – with a lot of messages, informative, interesting. There will also be many concerts from 20:00. It will be a happy weekend.”

“Everyone can find what they are interested in and get involved, this is an opportunity to spend time creatively and productively,” he adds.

Fermentation of citizens and organizations

The above words are confirmed by the President of KYADA, Melina Daskalakiwho believes that with their presence “fermentation occurs and new ideas and collaborations are born.”

In a conversation with “K”, he states that “both KYADA and the municipality with the refugee department, we are here because we cooperate with most organizations. I’ve been talking to many others since this morning and we still have new ideas. What we gain by getting together is that new ideas are born. Osmosis is what matters, all Athens can pass through it.”

And he adds: “Everyone who comes and sees dozens of stands says: “We didn’t know that this was happening, that there was this action, organization, etc.””. This is an opportunity for civil society to show live what it is doing, and this is very important.”

Solidarity network and offers

“From today until Sunday, the heart of Athens beats in Serafion, the biggest celebration of civil society,” the mayor of Athens told K. Kostas Bakoyannis.

“This festival becomes an occasion to open your eyes and ears. Let’s watch and listen to each other. Let’s join forces. I am grateful to those who leave their couch, go out and support their neighbor. Together with them, we are building a dense network of solidarity and support,” he added.

• 140 information kiosks and bazaars
• 43 children and youth activities and psychological and pedagogical games
• 40 screenings and theatrical performances for children and adults
• 20 sports events
• 25 art workshops and exhibitions
• 15 concerts and musical events
• 30 experimental workshops and intervention workshops and
• 18 interactive presentations and discussions