ATHENS, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- Athenians started the holiday season on Tuesday evening as the Christmas tree on Syntagma square in front of the Greek parliament was lit.
The event kicked off a series of 230-odd festivities offered free of charge until January, the Mayor of Athens, Giorgos Kaminis, said addressing the crowd that braved the rainfall.
"From the city's heart, here, on Syntagma square, Athens sends today, with the official illumination, a message of celebration, solidarity and optimism. I invite you all to stroll around the city, participate in as many events as you can with your children and feel the holiday spirit," the mayor said.
This year, the Greek capital will be transformed into a "city of angels," he explained.
"Guardian angels" will be the main theme of concerts, theater plays and dance performances addressed to adults and children alike and staged in open squares across the city center during the holiday season.
Athenians got a first taste with the performance by the City of Athens Philharmonic Orchestra on Tuesday.
One of the highlights will be the concert to be held at the foot of the Acropolis on the evening of December 31 to welcome the New Year.
This summer Greece exited a harsh eight-year bailout program, which was meant to help the country deal with the debt crisis. The mood in the streets is changing, although challenges remain, officials and citizens said.
As in previous years, the municipality has made arrangements for people in need, the homeless and the poor, to enjoy festive meals and join in the celebrations.
