Athens Commemorates 81 Years Since Liberation from Nazi Occupation

On October 12, 2025, Athens marked the 81st anniversary of its liberation from Nazi occupation with a solemn flag-raising ceremony at the Acropolis. The event was attended by President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, and featured performances by the Lykeion ton Ellinidon dance group, who carried the Liberation Flag alongside students from the Ionian School. The flag was presented to the Presidential Guard, who hoisted it as the Hellenic Air Force Band performed the National Anthem. The ceremony was also attended by Deputy Minister of the Interior Vassilis Spanakis and various political, military, and ecclesiastical leaders.

Athens marks 81 years since liberation from German occupationAthens commemorates 81 years since its liberation from Nazi occupationAthens Commemorates 81 Years Since Nazi Occupation Ended

The liberation of Athens on October 12, 1944, followed a brutal 1,265-day occupation by Nazi forces. The German withdrawal began on the evening of October 11, 1944, culminating in a makeshift ceremony at the Monument of the Unknown Soldier, where General Hellmuth Felmy laid a wreath. At 9:15 a.m. on October 12, a German soldier removed the Nazi flag from the Acropolis, marking the end of the occupation and igniting spontaneous celebrations throughout the city.

Athens Commemorates 81 Years Since Nazi Occupation Ended

In his address, President Tasoulas reflected on the significance of the liberation, stating, “The hour of liberation for the capital of Greece was the long-awaited moment of freedom — precious, delicate, and hard-won.” He emphasized the importance of safeguarding freedom, urging a united society to protect democratic values. Mayor Haris Doukas echoed this sentiment, honoring those who fought for democracy and asserting the need to transform the patriotism of the Resistance into social responsibility.

Acropolis: Flag-Raising Ceremony Marks 81 Years Since Liberation from the Nazis -

While the commemoration focused on honoring the past, some critics argue that the current political climate in Greece reflects ongoing challenges to democracy. They highlight concerns over rising fanaticism and hate speech, suggesting that the lessons of the past remain relevant today.

Athens commemorates 81 years since its liberation from Nazi occupation

• “Today, we honor those who fought for democracy.” — Haris Doukas, Mayor of Athens

Athens Commemorates 81 Years Since Nazi Occupation Ended

• “The liberation of Athens exactly 81 years ago, on October 12, 1944 — which we proudly and emotionally commemorate today — unfolded in an atmosphere of overwhelming joy and relief. Athens, like the rest of Greece, endured, suffered, and resisted during the three and a half years of ruthless Nazi occupation. We must always remember and honor that endurance, that indomitable patience, that harsh trial, and that resistance.” — Konstantinos Tasoulas, President of the Hellenic Republic

Acropolis: Flag-Raising Ceremony Marks 81 Years Since Liberation from the Nazis -

The anniversary serves as a reminder of the fragility of freedom and the ongoing responsibility of citizens to uphold democratic values. Future commemorations and discussions are expected to focus on how to address contemporary threats to democracy while honoring the sacrifices made during the Nazi occupation.

Acropolis: Flag-Raising Ceremony Marks 81 Years Since Liberation from the Nazis -