This year marks the 101st anniversary of the establishment of one of the most irreplaceable parts of life in Athens – the kiosk – and its centenary is being celebrated by a series of events and the publication of a special commemorative book. Street kiosks belong to Greek modern history and the municipality of the country’s capital couldn’t have ignored their significance in everyday life for the past century.
The city’s first kiosk opened in 1911 on Panepistimiou St and has since spread as a vital social institution. Nowadays kiosks offer a much greater variety of products and have increased vastly in number.
The “birthday” party kicks off on Thursday when a “retro” 1950s kiosk will be set up in Syntagma Square, which will be stocked with products from the decade. Celebrations take place under the auspices of the Union of Kiosk Owners and the Kiosky’s network in collaboration with the municipality of Athens. The commemorative book titled A Century and a Year of the Kiosk, 1911-2012 includes rare historic material and collective contemporary photos.
Happy birthday street kiosks!
After Thursday’s event, the 1950s retro kiosk will go on tour to the following areas:
July 7 Espiridon Square, Glyfada, 10am-8pm
July 14 Fleming Square, Ilioupoli, 10am-8pm
July 21 Varnali Square, Argyroupoli, 10am-8pm
July 28 Central Square, Kifisia, 10am-8pm
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
