The Greek Theater Festival of Syracuse: how to get excited about the ancient Greece

The Greek colonies founded in Sicily and Southern Italy, starting from the VII century. a.c., developed and achieved such prestige as to rival their motherland in power and wealth. Syracuse was one of these colonies, and even today the origin of this splendid city is well preserved in the incredibly preserved Greek theater, inside the Archaeological Park of Neapolis, one of the largest archaeological areas of the Mediterranean.

Every year there is an event that brings to life the cultural atmosphere of the ancient Greeks who found one of their best artistic expressions in the theater. This is the Greek Theater Festival of Syracuse, now in its 55th edition, which takes place this year from May 10th to July 6th. If you plan a trip to Sicily between late spring and early summer, don't miss this sensational experience.

I went to Syracuse on purpose so as not to miss two performances taken from Euripides' theatrical works: "Elena" and "Le Troiane". Both works are inspired by the Trojan War, which arose from the abduction of Helen by Paris. Elena is a tragicomedy based on misunderstandings. Paris actually kidnapped a ghost while the real Helen took refuge in Egypt. Here hassled by a local king, he manages to escape and meets her husband Menelaus, a veteran of the war. Le Troiane instead represents the fate of some women protagonists of the story, at the end of the war. Like Cassandra who is given as slave to Agamemnon.

Believe me, the show  is not just a high-level theater performance, but a total immersion in a historical environment of incredible charm, in a culture as old as it is engaging and touching. I have already decided that next year I will definitely repeat this experience. And what are you waiting for?