1926: Thessaloniki has been through wars, almost total destruction by the 1917 great fire and has recently welcomed a huge number of refugees. Nevertheless, the city has all the conditions for a better future: a long history, a strategic port and important connections with the Balkans and Western Europe. In a multinational and multilingual city with such a key geographical location, the success of an international trade fair is almost a given.
Nikolaos Germanos, professor, member of parliament, zoologist and main founder and campaigner for an international fair, opens the doors of the first Fair, which is housed in the Areos field in the Stratigeio area, given by the greek Army. The visit to the Fair is advertised in the newspapers as a historic duty:
"Every Greek has a historic duty to visit the 1st International Fair which truly inspires a feeling of national pride".
From year to year, the International Exhibition of Thessaloniki grows in size, power and radiance. Well-known Greek companies compete for originality, a place in the press of the time and prestige. Visitors in 1928 are impressed by the White Tower made of soap, presented by the company "Economidou-Fliskou", "Lumidis" is awarded and the participation of the Greek biscuits "Papadopoulou" is discussed in the press of the time.
In times of deprivation and poverty, the Pavilions distribute bags of raisins, figs and other sweets for advertising purposes and the visitors are delighted. Every year there are new attractions, acrobats, fireworks, and even an appendicitis operation at the Red Cross Pavilion. In 1940, days after the German Ambassador's statements in favor of the Exhibition, the Second World War broke out. Many of the exhibitors do not even have time to take their things from the Fair premises. During the Occupation, the Germans used the pavilions as warehouses, while before leaving Thessaloniki they blew up the International Fair buildings. The Exhibition will remain closed for a full 10 years.
It reopened its doors in 1951, with the 16th edition, and since then the Fair will be a real mirror of the Greek economy, but also of the country's life in general. Reflecting the rhythms and climate not only of Greek but also of global entrepreneurship, the Fair is also the annual "beginning of the year" milestone with the respective political leadership announcing the economic and political agenda for the following year.
In the following Thematic Exhibition we will go through the historical photographic archive of the International Fair from political and cultural events, festivals, the stands, the visitors and the exhibits, which illuminate the almost hundred-year history of the institution. Explore the politicians, actors, singers and artists who have participated in the 88 International Exhibitions organized to date.
See also the entire collection of the historical-cultural archive here, or browse the archive's posters, stamps, floor plans and architectural drawings of the Exhibition.
The exhibition contains items from the following institutions:
