Each year, hundreds of people gather on Mount Olympus in central Greece for the annual Promitheia festival dedicated to the Ancient Greek spirit.
The Promitheia festival, which has been an annual event for over two decades, is a five-day event that takes place on the home of the Gods — Mount Olympus — according to the Greek mythology.
Promitheia includes ceremonies, discussions and fun activities for those who believe that the ancient Greek ideals are worth of worship in the modern world.
Many participants wear chlamys – a short cloak worn by men in ancient Greece- archaic-style sandals, and a wreath on the head to express their faith in the ancient Greek gods and their dedication to living according to ideals from ancient Greece.
Festival includes processions, ancient drama, and a Dionysian celebration
The event attracts diverse groups of people, from atheists and pagans who worship the Ancient Greek gods, to those who are Greek Orthodox and simply embrace the wisdom of ancient Greece in their daily lives.
At the beginning of each festival, participants parade through the town of Litochoro, located on the slopes of Mt. Olympus, reviving the iconic ancient Greek procession.
Then, they conduct a ceremony, involving a “Promethean fire” and ancient Greek drama, in order to connect with ancestral spirits.
The main celebrations of the Promitheia festival involves recreating major historical events and ceremonies in Greek antiquity.
The festival culminates in a Dionysian celebration that extends long into the night.
Promitheia festival takes Greeks “back to their roots”
Dr. Tryphon Olympios, professor of philosophy and lover of Greek antiquity, began the festival, which he argues takes Greeks “back to their roots.”
While the Promitheia festival has many ardent supporters, it is also quite controversial. Its detractors claim that the event is a comedic representation of antiquity for misguided pagans.
Promitheia’s organizers argue, though, that the festival is simply a celebration of ancient Greece’s culture, wisdom, history, and traditions.
Watch Greek Reporter’s live from Promitheia:
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