2013 has been designated as "Cavafy Year" by the Culture Ministry, to mark the 150th anniversary of the world-renowned poet's birth. Cavafy (1863-1933), one of the most influential literary figures of the Hellenic world in the early 20th century, contributed to the establishment of modern Greek poetry on the international scene.

His poetry, characterized by strong symbolism combined with unadorned speech, has been translated into many languages. Two of his most celebrated poems are Ithaca and Waiting for the Barbarians.