New Year’s Eve at midday

PRO-VOLES By Olga Sella (Kathimerini, 2/1/2013)Who said that Athens is a city without surprises? Who said it can’t rise above the gloom and create, out of nothing, joy, cheer and a sense of community? On New Year’s Eve, the centre of Athens was bustling with people, traffic, street vendors (and dozens of beggars), and dazzling shop windows. Everyone was out for last-minute shopping, everyone was out for the gifts we hadn’t had time to buy.On my way, the street led me to the historic home of ‘Ikaros’ publishers. Out of nowhere, a cheerful and warm gathering had formed. All the authors of the historic publishing house were there. Kiki Dimoula had just passed away, but in the welcoming ground floor – surrounded by all the books of the 1930s generation, as well as the tasteful children’s publications of Ikaros’s new generation – were Katerina and Chrysoula Karidi, of course, Nikos, Marilena and Alexandra (their children), Christos Zouraris and the authors Christos Giannaras, Apostolos Doxiadis, Alexis Kyritsopoulos, Dimitris Nollas and Vangelis Raptopoulos. Also present were several friends of the publishing house, as well as customers, who filled their bags with ‘Ikaros’ classic and more recent publications. There was no invitation; it was not a planned gathering. Everyone dropped by to wish their publishers a happy birthday. Quickly, some simple snacks were laid out, makeshift trays were brought out, bottles of wine were opened, and the no-smoking rules were flouted – given the occasion – much to the dismay of the non-smokers! At one point, a knife served as a ‘bow’ on a glass, and the carols began. Spontaneously, authentically, from the heart, everyone sang. It was certainly not the only spot in Athens where acquaintances and friends met by chance. There were certainly many other corners throughout the city where New Year’s Eve celebrations began long before the stroke of midnight, where many, perhaps unconsciously, drew strength from the ‘arsenal’ of socialising, companionship and merriment. Just like that, out of the blue. Just like that, out of sheer defiance! New Year’s Eve celebrations… at midday! Vangelis Raptopoulos, Apostolos Doxiadis, Christos Giannaras, Dimitris Nollas.