An event to formally celebrate the anniversary of 2,500 years since the famous battle of Thermopylae and the naval battle of Salamis was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Naval Cadets Academy in Piraeus, with the leadership of the country attending.  Marianna Vardinoyiannis, a resident of Ermioni and honorary president of the “Thermopylae-Salamis 2020” anniversary event (pictured centre) welcomed Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and his wife to the facilities. The event was under the aegis of the Greek President, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, and took place with the collaboration of the National Defense General Staff.  The President of the Hellenic Republic pointed out that "The victories of the Greek and Persian Wars are the start of the long and amazing process of Western civilization".

The Greek Parliament was illuminated to honour the 25th Centenial of the Battles of Thermopylae and Salamis with a logo saying 'Thermopylae and Salamis - 2020'  that was illuminated of the facade of the historical building at Syntagma Square in Athens. 

Later that same evening, at 8:00pm on Wednesday 30th September, leaders of the Government saw the official unveiling of the new lighting system on the Acropolis.  The lighting distinguishes the different monuments at the Acropolis.  Specifically, nine points are illuminated again: the Rock, the Walls, the iconic Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Stoa of Eumenes and the Dionysian Sanctuary.

However, in addition for the first time, the spectacular and dramatic  lighting system includes five more monuments: The monument of Thrasyllos, the Sponsors' Columns, the Asclepieion and caves of Apollo and Aglavros, as well as the Sanctuary of Aphrodite.  With this new modern lighting, the ancient marbles look whiter than ever, reflecting every aspect, every geometric shape, every natural material, emphasizing the relief of the decoration of each monument.  Prime Minister Mitsotakis commented, "The Acropolis is a symbol of democracy, an eternal compass.  The monument that has shone its light on all humanity for centuries.  Today, we unveiled its new lighting system and saw it bathed in the light of the 21st century".  The Acropolis now sparkles like never before. 

The redesigned lighting for the Temple of Hephaestus and the Monument of Philopappos are planned to be completed before the end of 2020.  The lighting for all these treasured historical sites will be of the same style to give the same overall appearance to all the monuments associated with the ancient city of Athens.  

A temporary exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum, titled “Glorious Victories: Between Myth and History” will open to the public on Tuesday 20th October.  The major exhibition is part of the celebratory programme for the 2,500-year anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae and the Naval Battle of Salamis.  It will run until the end of February 2021.

There are plans to introduce the new lighting design system to the iconic Panathenaic Stadium in Athens at the end of March 2021.

On 30th April 2021, the new lighting of the Acropolis won three important accolades at the 2020 Darc Awards.  The Darc Awards are considered the 'Oscars' of lighting worldwide.  During the prestigious ceremony which took place online, Greece was awarded:  1st - Structures and high budget category.   1st - Event category.    Grand Prize - 'Best of the Best' for 2020.

The Doric Temple of Poseidon at Sounion will get the new lighting treatment in early 2024.  Being a landmark and major tourist destination due to its position at the end of the ArgoSaronic Gulf, it will highlight the temple from every possible view that can be seen from the many different sea links.