The birth of the great tragedian 2500 years ago, was the main motive for the beginning of this cultural celebration which has been dated from 1975. Even from the first year, Aeschylia managed to command the audience attention and to highlight itself as one of the most leading cultural festivals around Greece. Hearing the festival, there is a perfect match between the historical memory and the present which became obvious through the cultural heritage and the contemporary visual events.
As the participants of the Eleusinian mysteries had to follow a procedure to get initiated to the institution so you should do the same if you consider yourself a synchronous initiate of the festival! It’s a multifaceted festival with many aspects. It has hosted some of the most famous Greek and European artists, well- known theatrical and musical clubs and unique art-exhibitions. The program consists of theatrical plays, music concerts, film screenings, scientific meetings, tributes and events. Also the audience participation through workshops and theoretical lessons is an addition point to make the festival unique.
It is not only what you can see during Aeschylia but where you can see it. The locations that hosts all the above acts multiply the value of the festival. The special installations placed in and out of the old plants and the sanitation and conservation projects applied to the industrial buildings constitutes the ideal location for this event. The reuse of Kronos, the old soap factory and other industrial accommodations affirm the coexistence of historical and industrial side of Eleusina which characterized as her charm. The buildings are alive full of voices, music, lights and various acts for about five months. In the end of the festival, like another Pershephone, they pacing through the darkness of dereliction that time causes.
