Schools in several regions of Greece will close for two days this winter, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Education, as part of activities marking the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan.
The closures will allow students to attend two major Olympic ceremonies — the Lighting of the Olympic Flame in Ancient Olympia and the Handover Ceremony at Athens’ historic Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro).
When and Where Schools Will Close
- November 26, 2025: Schools in Western Greece and the Peloponnese will suspend classes as students are invited to attend the Olympic Flame Lighting Ceremony at the Ancient Stadium of Olympia, the birthplace of the Games.
- December 4, 2025: Schools in Attica (Athens region) will remain closed to enable students to take part in the Flame Handover Ceremony at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the torch will be officially passed to the Italian organizing committee.
Ceremony Details
The Flame Lighting Ceremony in Olympia is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m., preceded by student arrivals from 10:30 a.m. The event will last roughly three hours, including transportation, the ceremony, and departure.
Students will witness the reenactment of the ancient ritual, performed in the same historic stadium where the Olympic tradition began.
The Flame Handover Ceremony in Athens will start at 11:00 a.m., with arrivals from 9:45 a.m. It will feature a 45-minute cultural program, followed by the symbolic transfer of the flame to the Italian delegation.
Participation Guidelines
Participation is voluntary and requires:
- Approval from the school principal.
- Parental consent.
- Supervision by teachers or physical education staff.
- A valid Student Health Card (ADYM).
- Compliance with data protection rules (GDPR), meaning no photography or filming without consent.
- The presence of a doctor at all off-campus events.
Schools wishing to participate must submit their applications by November 7, 2025, via email to hoa@ethnoa.org.
A Symbolic Pause for Education
The Education Ministry described the initiative as an opportunity for Greek students to experience Olympic heritage firsthand, connecting modern education with the values of peace, excellence, and international cooperation.
Although only a portion of Greek schools will close — primarily in the regions hosting or traveling to the events — the ministry emphasized that this two-day pause will serve an important educational and cultural purpose.
