Kostis Palamas, an iconic figure in Greek literature, passed away on February 27, 1943, and his funeral became a significant anti-occupation protest against the Nazi regime in Athens.
Kostis Palamas, one of the most prominent figures in Greek letters, died on February 27, 1943, at the age of 84. His passing occurred during a tumultuous time in Greece, under the Nazi occupation. His funeral not only marked the loss of an esteemed poet and writer but transformed into the largest anti-occupation gathering of the Greek population against the German occupiers. This event was significant as it symbolized the spirit of resistance emerging among the populace despite the oppressive regime.
At the time, the media in Greece was heavily censored under Nazi rule, limiting the ability to openly discuss or portray significant events. Consequently, media outlets like 'To Vima' could not fully convey the magnitude of the funeral and the public's reaction. This censorship highlights the challenges faced by journalists during the occupation, as they navigated a landscape where truth was obscured by authoritarian control.
In February 1953, a decade after the end of the occupation, the prominent writer and regular contributor to 'To Vima', Ilias Venezis, reflected on the impact of Palamas' death and the circumstances surrounding it. He recounts the somber atmosphere in Athens during those oppressive days, marking the enduring memory of the resistance against occupation and framing Kostis Palamas not just as a literary figure, but as a symbol of resilience for the Greek people during one of their darkest eras.
