Danae Barka and Fanis Botsis marry in Mani ceremony, party lasts until dawn
The Greek presenter and actress exchanged vows on 13 June 2026 at the Agios Georgios chapel before a reception that ran into the early hours, with a musical dedication from the bride captivating guests.
The ceremony
Danae Barka and Fanis Botsis were married on the evening of Saturday 13 June 2026 at the small Agios Georgios chapel in Avia, a seaside village in the Messinian Mani region. The actress and presenter walked to the church accompanied by her mother, Vicky Stavropoulou, and by actor Christos Chatzipanagiotis, whom Barka has described as a second father. The bride wore a classic lace off-shoulder gown with a long full veil.
The reception
After the religious service, guests moved to a courtyard reception set up beside the church. Despite a cool evening, the party continued with music and dancing until dawn. The newlyweds shared a traditional Cretan dance that drew applause, and later cut a tiered wedding cake in a festive atmosphere.
A musical dedication
The most tender moment came when Barka took the microphone and dedicated the Vicky Moscholiou song “Den xero poso s'agapo” (“I don’t know how much I love you”) to her husband. The performance moved many guests to tears, and Chatzipanagiotis later joined in singing with the crowd.
Celebrity guests
Among those who travelled to Messinia were television personalities Maria Bekatorou, Maria Kavogianni, Aris Kavatzikis, Theocharis Ioannidis, Andreas Georgiou with his wife Simoni Christodoulou, Annita Pania, Nikos Koklonis, Niki Kerameos, and Maria Fragaki.
A family affair
The celebration took place on the grounds of the hotel owned by the bride’s mother, actress Vicky Stavropoulou, who was visibly emotional throughout the day. Chatzipanagiotis escorted the bride to the church and handed her over together with her parents and grandmother.
- Ceremony at Agios Georgios chapel, Avia
- Courtyard reception begins with music and dancing
- Bride dedicates song to groom; Christos Chatzipanagiotis joins in
- Party continues with traditional Cretan dance and cake cutting
- Celebration ends at dawn
The night mixed romance, music, and dance, marking one of the most discussed social events in Greece in recent days.
