Elefsina, the great trauma of its history, as Koutsaftis summarises in his movie Agelastos Petra, in the last twenty years has managed to create a new social identity with culture at its centre, in contrast to the stereotype of the grey city that had been imposed on it for almost a century. Artistic works born within the framework of the Aeschylia festival, brought new ideas and contemporary art forms, drew the attention of a critical audience and the national mass media to the city, caused significant changes in both the dominant perceptions of Elefsina’s identity and its image, which had a positive impact on the self-confidence of its inhabitants. The title of European Capital of Culture has highlighted and extended this legacy, opening a new perspective for the future of the city, and serving as a promising example for many others who understand the role of culture as an important factor in the development and transformation of modern cities.