82 Years Since The Liberation Of Athens: Flag Raised On Acropolis

Today marks 82 years since the day the last German troops withdrew from Athens.

The ceremony took place in the presence of the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, Education Minister Sofia Zacharaki, Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias, and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

Flag-raising on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis in the presence of the President of the Republic, Kostas Tasoulas, as part of the celebration of the 82nd anniversary of the liberation of Athens from the German occupation troops. Monday, October 12, 2026 (GIANNIS PANAGOPOULOS / EUROKINISSI)

After three and a half years of harsh Occupation, the Greek capital “breathed” freely again, and thousands of citizens flooded the streets to celebrate the Liberation. Greece could once again raise the blue and white flag on its flagpole.

In an emotional atmosphere and to the sound of the National Anthem, the blue and white flag was raised on the Acropolis as part of the commemorative events for the historic October 12, 1944, when German troops withdrew from the Greek capital, ending more than three and a half years of Occupation.

The Historic October 12, 1944

The choice of the Acropolis for the anniversary ceremony carries special symbolism, since on the morning of October 12, 1944, the Nazi flag was lowered from the Sacred Rock, marking the withdrawal of German forces from Athens.

News of the Liberation set off a wave of excitement in the capital. Thousands of Athenians poured into the streets, celebrating the end of the German occupation and filling the city with Greek flags.

Since then, October 12 has been one of the most important dates in the modern history of Athens, a reminder of the sacrifices and hardships of the Greek people during World War II.

A similar flag-raising ceremony on the Acropolis was also held last year for the 81st anniversary, in the presence of the President of the Republic.

The anniversary events have become established as a day of honor and historical remembrance for the city, with the aim of preserving the memory of the Occupation and the Resistance.

As part of the anniversary of the Liberation of Athens, the flag-raising on the Sacred Rock of the Acropolis will take place at 11:00 a.m., in the presence of the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, and Athens Mayor Haris Doukas.

Immediately afterward, a wreath-laying ceremony followed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.