Advertising drone show with the Acropolis in the background sparks reactions all around

There are many reactions on social media regarding a drone show that lit up the center of Athens last night.

The drone show was done by a well-known sportswear company and the images made the rounds on social media, but there were questions about how permission was given for such a thing. The images show the show having taken place in the center of Athens, near the Acropolis, and most people wondered how and if the Ministry of Culture gave permission.

According to sources from the Ministry of Culture, it is reported that “This could be a drone show or a laser show or anything else” and they add: “The Ministry of Culture is already filing lawsuits against anyone responsible. In any case, it is investigating with the Civil Aviation Authority whether they had permission to use a drone.”

The official announcement from the Ministry of Culture states: “Regarding an advertisement by a sportswear company that allegedly depicts the Acropolis, it is announced that: The competent services of the Ministry of Culture will file a lawsuit within the day against anyone responsible for violating archaeological legislation. In addition, the Ministry is in contact with the Civil Aviation Authority, in order to investigate whether or not the drone overflight licensing procedure was followed, in accordance with applicable legislation.”

SYRIZA on the drone show with the Acropolis in the background

Regarding these images, SYRIZA issued a statement, stating: The image via a swarm of drones of a sports shoe "stepping" on the Acropolis for advertising purposes constitutes an offensive commercialization of the core of our cultural heritage.

What criteria was used to accept such a proposal when last month the Ministry of Culture did not grant permission to director Yorgos Lanthimos to film his film at the archaeological site?