Xanthi Marks 107 Years Since Liberation as Military Parade Leads Commemorations

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The city of Xanthi will mark the 107th anniversary of its liberation with a three day program of religious ceremonies, memorial services, concerts and military and student events from October 2 to 4.

The main commemorations will take place on Sunday, October 4, when a military and student parade will be held in the city centre in the presence of Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, who will represent the Greek government.

The anniversary program begins on Friday with events across the city and concludes on Sunday evening with the lowering of the Greek flag and an honorary event celebrating the work of Anna Tenezi.

Friday, October 2

The commemorations will begin at 10:00 with anniversary speeches at schools across all educational levels.

At 11:00, a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Monument to the Fallen, with the participation of schools, scouts, associations, public institutions and local organisations. The Xanthi Municipal Band will provide musical honours.

At 11:45, the municipality will stage “In the Footsteps of the Liberation”, a symbolic procession beginning at Courts Square and following part of the route associated with the entry of the Greek army into the city in 1919.

The procession will make three stops, where symbolic liberation flags will be handed to representatives of the local metropolitan authority, the Supreme Military Command of Thrace and the mayor.

The final flag will be raised on the Clock Tower in Republic Square, recreating the historic event commemorated by the municipality.

Friday’s program will conclude with a concert by the Xanthi Municipal Choir at Republic Square at 20:00.

Saturday, October 3

On Saturday, the icon of Panagia Archangeliotissa will be received at Republic Square at 18:30.

A vespers service will follow at the Church of Hagia Sophia at 19:00.

At 20:30, Republic Square will host a concert by the Saint Matthew Philharmonic Society of Corfu, “Lorenzo Mavilis 1965”, with the participation of the Xanthi Municipal Band.

The concert will move to the Municipal Amphitheater if weather conditions prevent the outdoor event.

Sunday, October 4

The main anniversary day will begin at 08:00 with the raising of the Greek flag at the Clock Tower monument in Republic Square.

From 09:00 to 10:00, the Xanthi Municipal Band will perform marches and patriotic music along the city’s central streets.

The Greek government representative, Thanasis Davakis, is scheduled to arrive at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist at 10:15.

A formal doxology marking the anniversary of the city’s liberation will take place at 10:30, attended by religious, political, military and local authorities.

A reception at the Central Town Hall will follow at 11:00, before a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony at the Monument to the Fallen at 11:45.

The main military and student parade will begin at 12:15 at Eleftheria Square.

The parade will feature military personnel, students, scouts, guides, cultural and volunteer organisations, folklore associations, as well as representatives of war veterans and victims.

At 13:30, the Supreme Military Command of Thrace will organise a musical event in Republic Square.

The official commemorations will conclude with the lowering of the Greek flag at 18:00.

An honorary event dedicated to Anna Tenezi will then take place at 18:30, recognising her overall body of work. Tenezi was born in Xanthi to parents who were refugees from Asia Minor.

The three day program will bring together religious observances, historical remembrance, music and public ceremonies as Xanthi commemorates 107 years since its liberation.

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