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At least 71 archaeological sites, museums and monuments will mark the most popular full moon of the year, namely that in August, which is the month of holidays and vacations. The tradition has been followed for several years already. It is gaining a larger audience and the number of open sites is constantly increasing as announced by the Chief Archaeological Council, whose members, contrary to the expectations, have not objected to the opening of the archaeological sites and museums across the country on the night of the full moon. In recent years, the union of archaeologists has announced in the summer months frequent strikes which closed the largest archaeological sites to the disappointment of tourists.
    "Despite the hard times we are experiencing we want to give away an evening filled with joy and near the monuments. We believe that the events dedicated to the full moon should take place this year too in order for the people to be able to get in touch with antiquity under the August moon," states Maria Andreadaki-Vlazaki, general director of the "Antiquities and Cultural Heritage Directorate" of the Ministry of Culture and Sports. Music concerts, theatre performances, tours, video shows and stargazing are some of the events that will mark the full moon on 21 August. From Thrace to Crete and from the Ionian Islands to the Dodecanese Islands, hundreds of museums and archaeological sites will remain open and will host various cultural events. The Symphony Orchestra of the municipality of Athens will perform a concert on the Filopappou hill. Music will fill the archaeological site in the suburb of Elefsina too.
    Federico Garcia Lorca’s verses will be read in the archaeological sites of the Cycladic Islands, which will participate in the festive night. Actor Manos Katrakis will recite the poem "Lament for Ignacio Sanchez Mejias" between 10:00 and 11:00 pm.

    The Acropolis Museum will celebrate the full moon on 21 August, Wednesday, at 9:30 pm. The Military Band of Athens will perform in its front courtyard Greek and foreign popular tunes conducted by captain Michael Hasouris. The Band was founded in 1825, being the only form of musical culture in Greece for many years with its globally recognized conductors such as Magel, Kalomiris and Kessaris and with its brilliant soloists. Today it supports all forms of activities of the army and successfully participates in international festivals of military orchestras abroad.
    On 21 August, the museum will be open from 8:00 am to midnight with free admission after 9:00 pm. Visitors will have the opportunity to see the exhibition and enjoy the view of the Acropolis in the moonlight of the Athenian night sky.
Translated by Simona Peneva