Step Into the Heart of History: Thessaloniki’s 9th International Monuments Festival & Monument Run
This May, Thessaloniki invites locals and visitors alike to take part in a one-of-a-kind cultural celebration that blends history, art, music, and movement—the 9th International Monuments Festival and the spectacular 9th Monument Run. Running from May 23–25, 2025, the Festival offers a powerful reminder that heritage isn’t just something we preserve—it’s something we live, celebrate, and even race through!
A City Alive with Memory
Thessaloniki, a city known for its mosaic of monuments and enduring cultural legacy, becomes a vibrant canvas for artists, musicians, runners, and communities. For the ninth consecutive year, this Festival transforms ancient sites and public spaces into a living, breathing experience of collective memory and creativity.
Organized by the Cultural Association IAMOS, in collaboration with prestigious academic and cultural institutions, the Festival promises a packed three-day lineup filled with music, visual arts, community engagement, and athletic inspiration.
Art Meets the City: Visual Dialogues with the Past
May 23 – June 6, 2025
Islahane Cultural Center
Kicking off the festivities is a thought-provoking art exhibition titled “Visual Dialogues with the City”. Created by students from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki’s School of Visual and Applied Arts, these works explore memory, transformation, and the identity of public space. The exhibition encourages viewers to see Thessaloniki not just as a backdrop, but as an active participant in its own artistic interpretation.
Opening event: Friday, May 23, 1:00 PM
A Symphony of Traditions: Musical Performances in Historic Spaces
Friday, May 23 | 7:00–9:30 PM
Courtyard of St. Nicholas Orphanos Church
Immerse yourself in a poetic blend of Mediterranean soundscapes and original compositions by up-and-coming musicians from the University of Macedonia. A soulful evening that merges contemporary voices with ancient vibes.
Saturday, May 24 | 8:00–9:30 PM
Rotunda – Tribute to Antonio Vivaldi
Classical lovers rejoice! Enjoy elegant renditions of Vivaldi’s timeless works performed by the String Orchestra of the University of Macedonia and top-tier soloists.
Saturday, May 24 | 8:30–9:30 PM
Eptapyrgio – “The Resurrectionals”
A unique performance that fuses Byzantine vocal traditions, instrumental ensembles, and Greek secular music, celebrating the theme of resurrection under the artistic direction of Georgios A. Patronas.
The Monument Run: When History Takes the Lead
Sunday, May 25 | Race starts at 7:00 PM
Starting Point: Eptapyrgio
Forget your average city run. The Monument Run Thessaloniki is the only race in the world that winds through historic landmarks, offering a truly immersive experience of cultural memory in motion. Whether you’re an avid runner or a curious spectator, this event is for all ages and abilities.
Race Highlights:
- 6:00 PM – Guided tour for runners, volunteers & guests
- 6:25 PM – Live percussion by the Kurukutu group
- 6:45 PM – Group warm-up led by fitness experts
- 7:00 PM – Race start with Olympic champion Voula Patoulidou
- 7:10 PM – Traditional dances from the "Friends of Nature" group
- 8:05 PM – Awards ceremony
- 8:30 PM – Closing celebrations
