Greece: Thousands flock Acropolis August moon festival

Entertainment

Greece: Thousands flock Acropolis August moon festival

Close

Thousands of Greeks and tourists visited museum and ancient sights under the moon light.

14 August,2011 10:37 am

Greeks and tourists enjoy Acropolis sights under the full moon. Thousands flock to the Acropolis hill for the August moon festival to enjoy a concert, a free visit to the museum and ancient sights under the moon light.Every year the Greek capital Athens holds a full moon festival in August, under the Acropolis, when it is said to be at its biggest and brightest.But unlike last year, the Greek Central Archeological Council decided to close the Parthenon to safeguard the monument and keep the visitors safe. Fifteen thousand people visited the monument last year causing some damage to the structure.As they stumbled in the dark some people also caused themselves damage and hundreds were frustrated by the long queues to get in.Estimating an increase in the number of visitors this year the council decided to play it safe and limit the festival on the Acropolis around the long pedestrian street that leads to the monument.This did not deter the thousands of Greeks and tourists who flocked to the area below where they could wander around the small Herodes Atticus Odeon, under the Parthenon, and the moon.There was also a concert with Greek musicians and singers who serenaded about the moon.Seventy-five archaeological sites and museums across the Greece remained open for the Full Moon, with a series of events for visitors who enjoyed the largest full moon of the year.