May 21

Events

• 1954: Greece and Bulgaria resume diplomatic relations after 13 years.

• 1981: Arsonists burn down nearly half the forested areas of Mt. Hymettus.
• 1990: Greece recognises the state of Israel.
• 2005: Greece win the Eurovision contest for the first time thanks to Elena Paparizou's song "My Number One".

Sports

• 1896: Sotiris Versis breaks the Greek record in the discus throw with 29.50m.
• 1972: Sofia Sakorafa breaks the Greek record in the javelin with a throw of 41.32m.

Births

• 427 BC: Plato, philosopher.
• 1913: Gina Bachauer, Greek pianist.
• 1964: Kostas Kapitanis, Cypriot international football referee.

Namesday

• St Constantine and Saint Helen