Celebrating Creativity and Connection at the Ivanofia Festival

On the vibrant afternoon of October 12, 2025, the Ivanofia Festival came alive with a new wave of enthusiastic volunteers. They showcased their unique talents in remarkable ways. This year's festival was a rich tapestry of creativity, featuring engaging performances with the didgeridoo, sign language, and interactive origami activities. Set in the picturesque Ivanof Park in Thessaloniki, the event was more than just a showcase of artistic expression; it was a true celebration of community, connection, and collaboration among diverse individuals.

The festival's theme, invited participants to explore their feelings through various art forms. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as attendees gathered to witness the unfolding magic.

A Unique Artistic Lab Experience

At the heart of the festival was the Artistic Lab, a workshop designed to foster creativity on stage. This space encouraged free movement, spontaneous sounds, and a color-rich dialogue of creation. Unlike traditional performances, the Artistic Lab welcomed improvisation and dynamic interaction between participants.

The new volunteer performers did not just display their talents; they contributed to a larger narrative of community and shared creativity. Their participation emphasized the importance of creating inclusive spaces where everyone can freely express themselves and connect profoundly with others.

As we eagerly anticipate future festivals, we cherish the memories of this extraordinary day, overflowing with emotions, colors, and the spirit of collaboration. The Ivanofia Festival has truly become a beacon of creativity, welcoming all to partake in the celebration of art and connection.

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The Wagon of Time in the Wind of Vardaris

In the wind of Vardaris, where the seasons change faces, the memory of the ancient gate of Thessaloniki still stands—the threshold of a city that never ceased to welcome the world.

It was from there that Alexander's footsteps began, the sounds of soldiers, the wishes of travelers.

And over the centuries, the gate became a station; a meeting place for peoples, souls, and languages.

Today, the trains of the Railway Museum still hold the memory of those passages.

Each carriage of time rolls along rails that connect the past with the present; it brings with it whispers from the markets of the East, prayers from the Sephardic neighbourhoods, voices of refugees and young people who dream of a city open to the world.

The Vardaris wind blows, mixing scents, languages, memories.

And Thessaloniki—always at the entrance to time—opens its gates once again,

to remind us that every wind is also a return.

Performers: Mariam Sanikidze, Saba Khutsishvili, Eleni Kavazidou

«Το Βαγόνι του Χρόνου στον Άνεμο του Βαρδάρη»

Στον άνεμο του Βαρδάρη, εκεί όπου οι εποχές αλλάζουν πρόσωπα, στέκει ακόμη η ανάμνηση της αρχαίας πύλης της Θεσσαλονίκης — το κατώφλι μιας πόλης που δεν έπαψε ποτέ να υποδέχεται τον κόσμο.

Από εκεί ξεκίνησαν τα βήματα του Αλέξανδρου, οι ήχοι των οπλιτών, οι ευχές των ταξιδευτών.

Και μες στους αιώνες, η πύλη έγινε σταθμός∙ τόπος συνάντησης λαών, ψυχών και γλωσσών.

Σήμερα, τα τρένα του Μουσείου Σιδηροδρόμων κρατούν ακόμη τη μνήμη εκείνων των περασμάτων.

Κάθε βαγόνι του χρόνου κυλά επάνω σε ράγες που συνδέουν το τότε με το τώρα∙ φέρνει μαζί του ψιθύρους από τις αγορές της Ανατολής, προσευχές από τις συνοικίες των Σεφαραδιτών, φωνές προσφύγων και νέων που ονειρεύονται μια πόλη ανοιχτή στον κόσμο.

Ο Βαρδάρης φυσά∙ ανακατεύει αρώματα, γλώσσες, μνήμες.

Κι η Θεσσαλονίκη — πάντα στην είσοδο του χρόνου — ανοίγει ξανά την πύλη της,

για να θυμίσει πως κάθε άνεμος είναι και επιστροφή.