Polytechneio
Polytechnio is an observance in Greece that is observed on the 17th of November every year. This holiday commemorates the civilians killed during the assault on the Athens Polytechnic. The Polytechnic Uprising was a symbol of youth resistance against tyranny.
Greece (Observance)On November 17th, 1973, the transitional government sent a tank through the gates of the Athens Polytechnic in the early hours of the morning. This date is currently observed in Greece as a holiday for all educational establishments, and commemorative services are held at some schools, while other schools remain closed on this day.
The History of Polytechnio
On April 21, 1967, Greece was ruled by a military regime that dissolved all political parties, imprisoned and exiled politicians, and abolished civil rights. In 1973, students began the first widespread public protest against the junta on February 21st.
Law students barricaded themselves inside the building of the Law School of the University of Athens and went on strike to demand the repeal of the law that imposed a draft. On November 17th, a tank crashed through the gates of the Athens Polytechnic. During the action, 24 civilians were killed.
Observing Polytechnio
On this day, some schools are closed in Greece, while others offer students commemorative services. Polytechnio is the central location for commemoration services. During these services, students and politicians lay wreaths at a monument to the Polytechnio students killed during the Greek Resistance. People also use the hashtags #Polytechnio or #PolytechnioDay on their social media accounts.
Greece (Observance)
