The 11th edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition (ATHENA IOOC) marks the beginning of its second decade —a second decade for a competition that has become an institution and is internationally recognized as a benchmark for transparency, credibility, and prestige. Following its 10th anniversary edition held in Chania, the competition’s return to Athens —where it was first launched in 2016— is not merely symbolic; it is deeply meaningful. Indeed, Athens —like the competition itself— blends the timeless with the evolving, roots with vision.

 It is no coincidence that the competition is named ATHENA. Its name is drawn from the goddess Athena herself, who, according to the well-known myth, offered humanity the first olive tree —a gift of peace, wisdom, and prosperity. From that tree, planted on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, Athena prevailed through intellect rather than the spear, earning the honor of having the city bear her name. The connection between the olive tree, Athens, and the veneration of Athena’s wisdom imbues the Greek capital with profound cultural and historical significance —making it an ideal place once again to host an international competition dedicated to olive oil. Especially considering the importance ATHENA has now attained.

It was in 2016, then, that Athens hosted the inaugural ATHENA IOOC, which —far from coincidentally— was held in a venue chosen for its view of the Parthenon. Athens is proud of many of its monuments, but at the pinnacle stands the Parthenon: a timeless symbol of harmony and perfection, a point of reference for every form of judgment and evaluation —much like a competition itself. From there, the hill of the Acropolis embraces the entire Attica basin. Visitors feel the pulse of a city that unites 2,500 years of history with the vibrant energy of a modern European metropolis. The streets of the historic center —Plaka and Monastiraki, the pedestrian promenade of Dionysiou Areopagitou— as well as newer urban landmarks, from Syntagma to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, compose a mosaic where past and future meet, creating unforgettable experiences. Athens’ diverse gastronomy, firmly rooted in olive oil as the foundation and inspiration of its Mediterranean character, extends from traditional taverns to award-winning fine dining restaurants. The city thus stands as an international hub of taste and innovation —respectful of tradition, yet steadily looking toward tomorrow.

Similarly, the renewed selection of Athens to host the opening of ATHENA IOOC’s new decade marks a symbolic return to where it all began, while also looking forward to the competition’s next chapter. Here, where the olive tree became a symbol, ATHENA continues its mission: to showcase the value of extra virgin olive oil and of those who dedicate their work to it. In this way, Athens —with its unique coexistence of history and modernity— is not only the source of inspiration behind the competition’s name, but also the most fitting place to once again welcome one of the world’s most significant olive oil institutions: ATHENA, Greece’s one and only international olive oil competition.