August Full Moon Events Illuminate Greece

The news in Greek

1. πανσέληνος  (f.)
   Η πλήρης φάση της σελήνης, όταν είναι ολόκληρη φωτισμένη. ↩︎
2. εκδήλωση  (f.)
   Εκδηλώσεις ή δραστηριότητες που διοργανώνονται για κάποιον σκοπό. ↩︎
3. αρχαιολογικός
   Σχετικός με την αρχαιολογία, την επιστήμη που μελετά τα αρχαία έργα και ευρήματα. ↩︎
4. μνημείο  (n.)
   Κατασκευή ή έργο τέχνης που υπάρχει ως ανάμνηση ή φόρος τιμής σε κάποιον ή κάτι. ↩︎
5. πολιτιστικός
   Που σχετίζεται με τον πολιτισμό, τις τέχνες και τις παραδόσεις ενός λαού. ↩︎
6. κληρονομιά  (f.)
   Η συνολικά πολιτιστική και ιστορική κληροδότηση από τις προηγούμενες γενιές. ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: How many archaeological sites and museums will have events for the August full moon in Greece this year?

Question 2: What time will the Acropolis Museum open and close on August 9, 2025?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
πανσέληνος  (f.)	full moon
εκδήλωση  (f.)	events
αρχαιολογικός	archaeological
μνημείο  (n.)	monuments
πολιτιστικός	cultural
κληρονομιά  (f.)	heritage

Read the full story

The much-anticipated August full moon, often referred to as the “Sturgeon Moon,” will grace the skies on Saturday, 9th August 2025. This celestial event, named after the sturgeon fish that are plentiful during this time in the Great Lakes region of North America, has become a significant occasion for cultural events across Greece.

Each year, the August full moon is celebrated with a series of free events held at archaeological sites, museums, and historical landmarks nationwide. This year, a remarkable 114 sites, including the iconic Acropolis Museum, will welcome visitors under the moon’s glow. Of these, 71 sites will host special events spanning from theatrical performances to musical and dance events, as well as storytelling and astronomy sessions. Furthermore, 44 sites will offer free admission, allowing the public to explore and enjoy without charge.

The Acropolis Museum itself will extend its operating hours from 9 AM to midnight to accommodate visitors wishing to experience the museum’s collections and its famed views of the Acropolis under the moonlight. Although regular admission fees apply, the museum’s current exhibitions, including the notable “Allspice – Michael Rakowitz and Ancient Cultures,” will be available for viewing at no additional cost. This exhibition uniquely combines ancient Middle Eastern artefacts with contemporary works by artist Michael Rakowitz, offering poignant reflections on cultural heritage and its power of preservation and renewal.

Despite the fascination surrounding the August full moon, it remains a subject of various myths and legends. Among these, there’s a widespread belief that the moon appears larger and brighter in August due to its proximity to the horizon, which, in reality, is an optical illusion. Moreover, enduring tales link the full moon with human behaviour anomalies, such as increased births or accidents, though scientific studies largely discredit these associations.

This year’s full moon festivities are organized under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with local authorities and cultural organizations, ensuring a robust and diverse programme. These events not only celebrate the celestial phenomenon but also highlight the rich cultural and historical tapestry of Greece, inviting both residents and tourists to participate in this unique nocturnal celebration.

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