In the late 1920s, at a time when Greece was seeking its cultural identity through its past, a poet and an archaeologist joined forces to bring the Delphic Ideals back into the spotlight. Angelos Sikelianos and his wife, Eva Palmer, envisioned a festival that would revive ancient drama in its natural setting, linking classical heritage with the present. Thus, the Delphic Festivals were born—a series of events held in 1927 and 1930 at the ancient theater of Delphi, attracting intellectuals, artists, and audiences from around the world.
At the heart of the Delphic Festivals were the theatrical revivals of ancient tragedies. In 1927, Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound was staged in a landmark performance that highlighted the power of myth and the anguish of human existence. Three years later, in 1930, Delphi hosted Euripides’ The Suppliants, a play that illuminated themes of asylum and human solidarity—issues both timeless and relevant.
These performances were characterized by simplicity, discipline, and authenticity, as they followed ancient Greek models of movement, music, and costume, with Eva Palmer’s personal contribution. The choreography drew inspiration from ancient reliefs, while the costumes were handwoven using techniques that revived forgotten textile traditions.
The Delphic Festivals extended beyond theatrical performances. The program included lectures by distinguished scholars, athletic competitions inspired by ancient ideals, musical events, folklore exhibitions, and traditional dances. The aim was to create a holistic cultural experience that connected the ancient Greek spirit with contemporary concerns.
Despite their grandeur and visionary scope, the Delphic Festivals sparked strong reactions. While they earned admiration from international figures, they were met with skepticism in Greece by certain intellectual circles and the press. Critics questioned the feasibility of the endeavor and accused Sikelianos of utopian ambitions. Financial difficulties also led to the discontinuation of the events after 1930.
Although the Delphic Festivals did not continue, they left behind an important legacy. The initiative of Sikelianos and Palmer paved the way for the modern use of ancient theaters and laid the foundations for the Epidaurus Festival, which officially began in 1954 and remains one of the most significant theatrical institutions worldwide.
Today, Delphi continues to be a place of profound cultural significance, and the vision of the Delphic Festivals still inspires initiatives that seek to bridge the ancient and modern worlds. This virtual exhibition includes 140 photographs by the famous photographer Nelly's, who attended the second Festival as its official photographer.
The exhibition contains items from the following institutions: Hellenic Literary and Historical Archive - Cultural Foundation of the National Bank Of Greece, Τhe European Cultural Centre of Delphi (ECCD), Ministry of Culture - Directorate for the Administration of the National Archive of Monuments, Public Library of Kalamata, Music Library of Greece "Lilian Voudouri" - Friends of Music Society
