Profile and activities

Patras is a harbor city inhabited by 200,000 people. About 22,000 migrants of different countries live in the city and its suburbs.  It is inhabited by various types of population with different origins, languages, religions and cultures. Knowing all these groups of population is of vital importance for organizing a friendly living environment for all.

The citizens of Patras, by living in a harbor city, are used for foreigners being part of their community for a long time. Patras has always been the gate of Greece to the West and learnt that being a port is not just a part of a city’s layout but it is mainly a way of communicating messages with all over the world. The city’s modernity has emerged from the coexistence and encounter of different cultures and mindsets during its long lasting history

The city of Patras during its recent history is a result of a continuous mix of populations.  In 1922, refugees from Asia found shelter in the city. After the first and second world wars, many Italians stayed in Patras, got married and had families. Until today, families of Italian origin are very active in the city and operate their own Catholic church. The English community has an active role in Patras as well. The University of Patras is regarded as one of the best in Greece and attracts many students from other countries especially from the Mediterranean area. More precisely, groups have formed such as of African Students, of Students from Cyprus etc. Furthermore, the University is a favorite place for the operation of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of students acting at the European level (e.g. BEST, AEGEE), linking various universities together and hosting missions of foreign students.

In addition, within the last 20 years, Patras is a living place for many people from the Balkans such as Albanians, Romanians, Bulgarians as well as people from the East such as Chinese and Indians. All of them have been incorporated in society and their children attend public schools.

Furthermore, there are about 2.500 Roma in the city. Efforts have been made to integrate them in urban social context and culture (counseling services, adult education programs, Health provision programs etc).

Many associations of migrants have been formed and participate in decision-making processes through “Patras Council for the Inclusion of Migrants-CIM”.

There is a strong involvement of the city of Patras in “Intercultural Cities – ICC” managed by the Council of Europe. Patras has greatly benefited being an active ICC member, since 2008 and the core-city in Greece.

meetings

Patras trains anti-rumour agents in prison

26 February 2015 Patras, Greece
On 28 January 2015, C4i in Patras, Greece, held an anti-rumour workshop on the premises of the municipal prison. The workshop was attended by the prison director, staff and prisoners of different...

Don’t get soaked by rumours in Patras!

23 February 2015 Patras, Greece
In Patras, Greece, childrens’ carnival, held on 15 February 2015, served as a platform to address rumours about citizens from diverse backgrounds.  A group of children, both local and migrant, was...

2nd C4i visit to Patras: project sustainability through political shifts

10 October 2014 Patras, Greece
On 10 October 2014, Patras welcomed the second C4i visit by Sean O’Siochru, C4i evaluation consultant, and Christina Baglai, C4i project manager. The visit took place in a context of political...

Patras C4i Launching Event

12 June 2014 Patras Greece
The Cultural Organization of the Municipality of Patras in collaboration with the Vice Μunicipality of "Support of  Citizens, Volunteerism, Gender Equality & Inclusion of Migrants" and Patras...

general information

patras on the map

CARNIVAL OF PATRAS

LEAFLET