Athens community members come together to celebrate Natsu Matsuri

A Natsu Matsuri summer festival occurred late last week in Athens' public Japanese Park, in the Pangrati neighborhood. The event, which brought together Athenian locals, tourists, and Japanese people, is rooted in the Shinto tradition and is meant to honor the spirits of the people's ancestors.  

Red lanterns hung from the trees, and food stalls lined the perimeter as traditional Japanese music played, creating an immersive experience in Japanese culture for all who attended the festivities.

The Municipality of Athens and the Japanese Embassy jointly organized the event. Both Japanese Ambassador to Greece Koichi Ito and Eleni Zontirou, Board President of the Sports and Youth Organization of the City of Athens stressed the importance of creating stronger bonds between the Greek and Japanese people. 

"We at the Municipality of Athens are strong advocates for...