Salo with athletic shoe advertising on the Acropolis

An incredible picture was seen on Thursday night (15/5) citizens and tourists Athenswhen they suddenly saw a flock of drones showing a shoe model of the well -known sportswear company, Adidas, for about six minutes above the city, with the Acropolis backdrop.

According to the reaction of the Ministry of Culture, the company in question did not receive permission for the advertisement either by the Ministry or the KAS.

And the « best »? The license for the « flying » athletic shoe over the Parthenon was granted by the Olympia and Heritage Committee, which belongs to the Ministry of Finance, for a gross amount of 380 euros.

Will anyone say, if they gave millions, would it be better? No, of course, but saying « no » to George Lanthimos for filming on the Acropolis and then collecting 380 euros for a … athletic shoe that is « flying », it is « digested » with nothing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1Bepvrhen4

In particular, according to a document posted in Transparency, the request for the adidas drone was made to the administration of the Zappeion, to the Board of Directors of the Olympic Committee and Bequest by Drns Show Experience IKE.

The request concerned the « concession of 200 sq.m. Outdoor on the side of the Zappeion Palace on May 15, 2025, for the Drone Show on behalf of Essence MediaCom on the promotion of Adidas Hellas product. (rent of € 380.00) « , as stated, with the committee responsible for accepting the request unanimously.

Filed a lawsuit for the Acropolis on advertising by the Acropolis background

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Culture, in a statement, announced that it would file a lawsuit against anyone responsible for violating archaeological law.

The ministry argues that it did not know anything, and as it notes « it is in contact with the Civil Aviation Authority in order to investigate whether or not to comply with the licensing process of the drone transcendence, in accordance with the legislation in force ».

« Concerning the advertising of a sportswear company allegedly depicting the Acropolis, it is announced that: The competent departments of the Ministry of Culture are filed with a lawsuit against all responsible for violating archaeological legislation. In addition, the ministry is in contact with the Civil Aviation Authority in order to investigate or not to comply with the licensing of the drone overprint, in accordance with the legislation in force, « the Ministry of Culture said.

It is worth noting, in fact, that the Athens Public Prosecutor’s Office was ordered an urgent preliminary examination for the drone show’s case over the Acropolis for advertising purposes.

The investigation was assigned to the Acropolis Security Police Department and after its completion the file will be forwarded to the Public Prosecutor’s Office for the evaluation of the material and the further actions of justice.

Heavy reactions from the opposition

Salo has caused and continues to provoke the advertising show against the Acropolis, while opposition parties reacted strongly.

PASOK speaks of « commercialization of cultural symbols », saying that « the Acropolis is not an advertising background ». In particular, the PASOK -KINAL Cultural Division & Network of Culture points out that « the image of a giant sports shoe to ‘press’ the Acropolis by promotion with drones is yet another sad reminder of the need for clear institutional boundaries and respect for our cultural limits. »

« The Acropolis, a global symbol of culture and democracy, cannot be treated as a neutral background for commercial uses or ‘smart’ advertising findings. Especially when, according to information, this action was either performed without permission or exploited institutional gaps and incomplete supervision, serious questions are raised about the role and responsibility of the Ministry of Culture, « he adds.

At the same time, he notes that « the choice of the Ministry of Culture to refuse permission for the shooting of internationally renowned director George Lanthimos in the same archaeological site makes the issue even more imperative. What is the criterion in the end? The commercial value of the product or the cultural footprint of the creator? « 

PASOK’s competent sector calls for « immediate and clear information from the Ministry of Culture on whether it was permitted for this action and by which body. The institutional shield of archaeological sites and monuments against their anarchic commercialization. Transparent, unified and meritocratic criteria in evaluating demands for the use of cultural sites – with no exceptions and expediency « , while stressing that » culture is not a branding tool. It is a matter of identity, memory and democracy. « 

SYRIZA: Let them choose which minister will resign and not hide behind SAD and findings again

« The image through the flock of drones of the sports shoe that is ‘on the Acropolis’ for advertising reasons, is an offensive commercialization of the core of our cultural heritage, » SYRIZA also stresses, asking « what criterion did not accept such a proposal when it did not give it a prosecution. space? « 

In addition, party spokesman George Karameros, in a statement, stresses that « in addition to the Acropolis insult, a serious security issue is also raised as all drones do not advertise shoes. Let them choose which minister will resign and do not hide behind SAD and findings again. « 

The Vice President of the Association of Greek Archaeologists (SEA), Despina Koutsouba, also posted the issue on the issue.

« A while ago this advertising in front/above the Acropolis appeared! Some athletic brand- and we don’t know if he has even got a license. The slogan has already been given, anyone can use monuments, even UNESCO monuments as a background. No respect. «