Greek communist youth party reaches 50 years of great vitality

For more than 50 years, the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) and the newspaper/magazine Odigitis have held, in the Aegean Sea country, one of the largest cultural and political meetings in Europe. The KNE-Odigitis Festival completed 50 years in 2024 and had its last edition held between the 18th and 21st of September in Athens.

Through the presence of Ana Prestes, from the national party leadership, and Tiago Alves, from the party leadership in Minas Gerais and the national youth commission, the Communist Party of Brazil (PCdoB) and the Red Festival – a similar Brazilian party with two editions carried out – were represented at the event. Participation contributed to strengthening the bridge between Greek and Brazilian struggles for a world of equality, solidarity and overcoming class exploitation in all corners.

Also read: The Communist Youth and their contribution to the Festa do Avante

In this way, the Red Festival gains strength and experience, as a new exponent of celebration, debate and integration of the left in South America.

Birth of an “Odigitis”

The first edition of the Festival took place at the Zografo stadium, in September 1975, to honor the Greek youth newsletter, which is named after Odigitis, “guide” in Greek. At the time, the event also constituted a fundamental space for the organization of KNE, as the entity held its first congress there. The activity was inspired by two activities held the previous year and which were attended by a Greek delegation, the Fête de l’Humanité, held in France, and the World Festival of Democratic Youth, held in the former East Germany.

In this first year, the activity took place only in Athens, but it already came out with the guidance that the celebrations should be held throughout the country, from the smallest villages, passing through the various islands, until reaching the country’s large urban centers.

Also read: A party marked by history

The KNE has half a century of resistance, in Greece, for the construction of socialism. Since its beginning in 1975, the Festival has established itself as a space for artistic and political expression. Over the years, renowned figures such as poet Yannis Ritsos and musician Manos Loïzos have participated in its editions. The event grew in size and significance, reflecting the country’s struggles, especially at critical moments such as the repression of student movements in the 1980s.

Exhibition and documentary pay homage to 50th anniversary

With a special edition, bringing the theme “We are making history, changing the world – Our future is socialism”, and a large commemorative exhibition, set up in the Antoni Tritsis park, the 50th KNE-Odigitis Festival reinforced KNE’s commitment to the struggle for a society free from capitalist exploitation.

A documentary video with historical images, photos, newspaper clippings and interviews with characters from this beautiful story was also produced with the aim of telling it and also preserving the memory of the festival, KNE, KKE and Greece itself. The full video can be seen below.

Over this half century, the festival has evolved from a local event to a national celebration, in a decentralized way with activities in several cities, culminating in major events in Athens.

In addition to its cultural attractions, the festival has also attracted intellectuals, writers and political thinkers from Greece and other countries throughout its history, who share the same values. The festival promotes an atmosphere of global solidarity, reaffirming KNE’s commitment to the international fight for social justice and equality.

The Festival website has excellent material for those who are more interested with posters, photos and information about each of the editions at the link: https://festival.kne.gr/50o-festival/istoria/

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