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02 January, 1997
Greece's northern port city of Thessaloniki marked the advent of 1997 with city-wide festivities that bodes well for the city's tenure as Cultural Capital of Europe.
"Thessaloniki, the tender north of Greece, capital of southern Europe, a city of history, youth, daring and music... Thessaloniki, the Lady of the Balkans, is as of today also the Cultural Capital of Europe," renowned Greek tragedian Irene Pappas told a gathering of thousands in the city's center, ushering in the New Year and inaugurating the year-long Cultural Capital events.
Culture Minister Evangelos Venizelos told the huge crowd of personalities and city residents he had "fighting optimism" about the success of Thessaloniki's term as Cultural Capital of Europe.
The heavy fog covering the coast around Thessaloniki's most famous landmark, the White Tower, gave the entire scene an ethereal feel, making an ideal backdrop for the Byzantine hymns sung by Irene Pappas, accompanied by a choir.
The Cultural Capital inaugural events continued with dozens of musical groups performing from five outdoor stages set up for the events, ranging from old Greek rembetika to jazz, latino and rock groups, including world-renowned rocker Bob Geldof.
But festivities also took place all along the coast, with pantomime troupes, artists and jugglers, while various stands offered revelers traditional "mezedes" (snacks) and sweets, courtesy of the Thessaloniki Cultural Capital of Europe Organization.
Source: Athens News Agency
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