Sceneic view of Thessaloniki

San Francisco-Thessaloniki

Sister Cities

Sceneic view of Thessaloniki

San Francisco-Thessaloniki

Sister Cities

Friends & Partners

Friends & Partners

Friends & Partners

For many years now, Thessaloniki has been engaged in a partnership with San Francisco, resulting in an enduring fellowship between the two cities. This relationship was founded by late philanthropist, Chis Mouroufas and his wife, Tula Mouroufas along with the help of then San Francisco Mayor, Art Agnos. Since then, there have been numerous delegation trips, cultural exchanges, and student exchanges.


San Francisco and Thessaloniki, while distinct in many ways, share common bonds rooted in art, music and cuisine. The San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City program aims to exchange knowledge and experience, foster partnerships and networks, and maintain positive relationships between these two remarkable cities. 


The San Francisco-Thessaloniki sister city initiative focuses on several areas of interest. These include:


Culture and cuisine

Art and design 

Tourism and hospitality

Cultural exchange

Life sciences and tech

Urban development


We organize networking mixers in San Francisco to bring together interested locals to learn about Thessaloniki and its rich history, traditions and culture, and to promote initiatives that encourage further engagement.

For many years now, Thessaloniki has been engaged in a partnership with San Francisco, resulting in an enduring fellowship between the two cities. This relationship was founded by late philanthropist, Chis Mouroufas and his wife, Tula Mouroufas along with the help of then San Francisco Mayor, Art Agnos. Since then, there have been numerous delegation trips, cultural exchanges, and student exchanges.


San Francisco and Thessaloniki, while distinct in many ways, share common bonds rooted in art, music and cuisine. The San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City program aims to exchange knowledge and experience, foster partnerships and networks, and maintain positive relationships between these two remarkable cities. 


The San Francisco-Thessaloniki sister city initiative focuses on several areas of interest. These include:


Culture and cuisine

Art and design 

Tourism and hospitality

Cultural exchange

Life sciences and tech

Urban development


We organize networking mixers in San Francisco to bring together interested locals to learn about Thessaloniki and its rich history, traditions and culture, and to promote initiatives that encourage further engagement.

For many years now, Thessaloniki has been engaged in a partnership with San Francisco, resulting in an enduring fellowship between the two cities. This relationship was founded by late philanthropist, Chis Mouroufas and his wife, Tula Mouroufas along with the help of then San Francisco Mayor, Art Agnos. Since then, there have been numerous delegation trips, cultural exchanges, and student exchanges.


San Francisco and Thessaloniki, while distinct in many ways, share common bonds rooted in art, music and cuisine. The San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City program aims to exchange knowledge and experience, foster partnerships and networks, and maintain positive relationships between these two remarkable cities. 


The San Francisco-Thessaloniki sister city initiative focuses on several areas of interest. These include:


Culture and cuisine

Art and design 

Tourism and hospitality

Cultural exchange

Life sciences and tech

Urban development


We organize networking mixers in San Francisco to bring together interested locals to learn about Thessaloniki and its rich history, traditions and culture, and to promote initiatives that encourage further engagement.

Art, Music and Cuisine

Art, Music and Cuisine

Art, Music and Cuisine

Nothing brings people together more than art, music and cuisine. Luckily In Thessaloniki, there is plenty on offer to satisfy all the senses.

Nothing brings people together more than art, music and cuisine. Luckily In Thessaloniki, there is plenty on offer to satisfy all the senses.

Nothing brings people together more than art, music and cuisine. Luckily In Thessaloniki, there is plenty on offer to satisfy all the senses.

The Rotunda of Galerius, Thessaloniki
The Rotunda of Galerius, Thessaloniki

Art

Visit the Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki, and more.

Visit the Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki, and more.

Find out more

The Rotunda of Galerius, Thessaloniki

Art

Visit the Municipal Art Gallery of Thessaloniki, and more.

Find out more

Close up of a musician playing Greek music on a Bouzouki
Close up of a musician playing Greek music on a Bouzouki

Music

Check out this comprehensive musical guide to Thessaloniki.

Check out this comprehensive musical guide to Thessaloniki.

Find out more

Close up of a musician playing Greek music on a Bouzouki

Music

Check out this comprehensive musical guide to Thessaloniki.

Find out more

Greek burgers (biftekia) served with red sauce, fried potatoes and salad
Greek burgers (biftekia) served with red sauce, fried potatoes and salad

Cuisine

In Thessaloniki, you can find a diverse array of dining options.

In Thessaloniki, you can find a diverse array of dining options.

Find out more

Greek burgers (biftekia) served with red sauce, fried potatoes and salad

Cuisine

In Thessaloniki, you can find a diverse array of dining options.

Find out more

VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting

VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting

VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting

John's Grill, October 9, 2024

John's Grill, October 9, 2024

Photos: Philip Vy IG: @vy.photographer

A heartfelt THANK YOU to San Francisco Mayor London Breed for supporting our exclusive VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting at John’s Grill! 


We were honored to celebrate the rich wine heritage of Northern Greece alongside the new Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, Grigorios Tassiopoulos, California State Senator Scott Wiener, and local and international community leaders. Special thanks to the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, for his warm letter of acknowledgement!


We were also deeply grateful to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor. A special thank you to Meron Foster, Deputy Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Mayor, for joining us, and to John Konstin Jr., the third-generation owner of John’s Grill, for his warm hospitality.


Finally, a big thank you to Dionysi Grevenitis of DNS Wines for helping us showcase the finest Greek wines and making the night extra special. 


This event was especially meaningful as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program. Founded with the support of former Mayor Art Agnos, the program continues to thrive under the leadership of our new director, Vas Kiniris, a native of Macedonia with deep ties to Thessaloniki. Here’s to many more years of cultural friendship and collaboration!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to San Francisco Mayor London Breed for supporting our exclusive VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting at John’s Grill! 


We were honored to celebrate the rich wine heritage of Northern Greece alongside the new Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, Grigorios Tassiopoulos, California State Senator Scott Wiener, and local and international community leaders. Special thanks to the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, for his warm letter of acknowledgement!


We were also deeply grateful to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor. A special thank you to Meron Foster, Deputy Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Mayor, for joining us, and to John Konstin Jr., the third-generation owner of John’s Grill, for his warm hospitality.


Finally, a big thank you to Dionysi Grevenitis of DNS Wines for helping us showcase the finest Greek wines and making the night extra special. 


This event was especially meaningful as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program. Founded with the support of former Mayor Art Agnos, the program continues to thrive under the leadership of our new director, Vas Kiniris, a native of Macedonia with deep ties to Thessaloniki. Here’s to many more years of cultural friendship and collaboration!

A heartfelt THANK YOU to San Francisco Mayor London Breed for supporting our exclusive VIP Macedonian Greek Wine Tasting at John’s Grill! 


We were honored to celebrate the rich wine heritage of Northern Greece alongside the new Consul General of Greece in San Francisco, Grigorios Tassiopoulos, California State Senator Scott Wiener, and local and international community leaders. Special thanks to the Mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, for his warm letter of acknowledgement!


We were also deeply grateful to welcome His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, accompanied by His Grace Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, Chancellor. A special thank you to Meron Foster, Deputy Chief of Protocol for the Office of the Mayor, for joining us, and to John Konstin Jr., the third-generation owner of John’s Grill, for his warm hospitality.


Finally, a big thank you to Dionysi Grevenitis of DNS Wines for helping us showcase the finest Greek wines and making the night extra special. 


This event was especially meaningful as we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program. Founded with the support of former Mayor Art Agnos, the program continues to thrive under the leadership of our new director, Vas Kiniris, a native of Macedonia with deep ties to Thessaloniki. Here’s to many more years of cultural friendship and collaboration!

San Francisco

San Francisco

San Francisco

The City by The Bay is considered one of the most innovative, inspirational, and international cities in the world, and sits at the crossroads between high-tech and counter-culture.

The City by The Bay is considered one of the most innovative, inspirational, and international cities in the world, and sits at the crossroads between high-tech and counter-culture.

The City by The Bay is considered one of the most innovative, inspirational, and international cities in the world, and sits at the crossroads between high-tech and counter-culture.

Golden Gate Bridge from above
Golden Gate Bridge from above
Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece
Aristotelous Square in Thessaloniki, Greece

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki

This city is celebrated for its festivals, events, and lively cultural scene. The Annual Thessaloniki International Fair and International Film Festival draw attendees from across the world.

This city is celebrated for its festivals, events, and lively cultural scene. The Annual Thessaloniki International Fair and International Film Festival draw attendees from across the world.

This city is celebrated for its festivals, events, and lively cultural scene. The Annual Thessaloniki International Fair and International Film Festival draw attendees from across the world.

Vas Kiniris

Vas Kiniris

Vas Kiniris

Director

Director

As a Director of the Thessaloniki-SF Sister City program, I play a pivotal role in fostering and maintaining strong relationships between San Francisco and Thessaloniki, promoting cultural exchange, economic development, and educational opportunities. 

 

My mission is to help to facilitate communication and collaboration between local government officials, community organizations, businesses, and residents in both cities, working to deepen mutual understanding and cooperation on a variety of fronts, from tourism to trade to humanitarian initiatives.

 

Overall, as the Director, I’ll help as a people-to-people bridge-builder, connecting communities across borders and promoting goodwill and cooperation on an international scale.

Jimmy Consos

Jimmy Consos

Jimmy Consos

As a Committee Member, I contribute to both leadership and support in fostering a meaningful connection between San Francisco and Thessaloniki. Inspired by the program's founders, Chris and Tula Mouroufas, and the wonderful people of both cities, I am dedicated to promoting cultural, educational, and economic exchanges between them.

John Konstin

John Konstin

John Konstin

As a proud third-generation restaurant owner, I have the privilege of continuing my family’s legacy, which is deeply intertwined with both the vibrant culture of Greece and the dynamic community of San Francisco. With roots that stretch back to Greece for generations and continue today, my family has always celebrated the rich traditions of our homeland while embracing the opportunities of this incredible city.

Growing up in the restaurant industry, I learned the importance of community, hard work, and the joy of bringing people together over a meal. Historic John’s Grill continues to be a favorite among government officials and locals alike. These connections, along with my unique background, allow me to bridge the two worlds, fostering collaboration and cultural exchange.

Thessaloniki FAQ

Thessaloniki FAQ

Thessaloniki FAQ

What is Thessaloniki's population?

When was the city founded?

What are local food favorites?

What annual festivals take place in Thessaloniki?

Contact Us

Contact Us

Contact Us

© 2024 San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program

© 2024 San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program

© 2024 San Francisco-Thessaloniki Sister City Program