84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete – programme of events 19th May – 30th May
Commemorative services, speeches, documentary screening “ANZAC – the Greek Chapter in Chania (see extra post) the laying of wreaths and displays of the RAF’s acrobatic team, the Red Arrows, as well as a number of parallel events, are among the events included in the programme announced by the Cretan Regional Authority for the 84th anniversary of the Battle of Crete.
MONDAY, MAY 19, 2025
10:30 – Municipality of Kantanos-Selinos – Monument in Sougia (Livada – Koustogerakos Intersection)
Monument dedicated to the people of Selinos imprisoned in the Nazi camps of Austria (Mauthausen)
Memorial Prayer
Laying of wreaths
A minute of silence in memory of the fallen
National Anthem
Speech on the events in the region by the President of the Selinos Association of Scientists, Mr. Loukas Basia
Rizitika song by the Cultural Association of Eastern Selinos “To Psilafi”
Traditional treat by the Municipality of Kantanos-Selinos
TUESDAY, MAY 20, 2025
11:30 – Municipality of Sfakia – Monument of the “Battle of Crete” in Chora Sfakia
Memorial Prayer -Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the fallen – National Anthem – Greetings from the Mayor of Sfakia, Mr. Ioannis Zervos
Speech on the events of the time entitled “The Battle of Crete:
Chronicle and Current Issues”, by Ms. Kalliopi Geronymaki, Postdoctoral Researcher in Contemporary History at the University of Florence
Poems by the students of the Primary School of Chora Sfakia
Traditional treat from the Municipality of Sfakia
Organized by: Municipality of Sfakia
KISSAMOS May 20, 2025
19:00 – Municipality of Kissamos – Memorial to the Fallen – Kallergiana Junction
Memorial Prayer – Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the FallenNational Anthem by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Kissamos “Irinaios Galanakis”Greetings by the Mayor of Kissamos, Mr. George MylonakisSpeech on the events in the region by the Historian Mr. Yiannis Skalidakis, Professor of the University of Crete
Rizitika song by the Rizitika Association “I Kissamos”Organized by: Municipality of Kissamos
WEDNESDAY, MAY 21, 2025
11:00 – Agia: Monument “Golgotha”
Memorial Prayer – Invitation of the Fallen – Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the Fallen -National Anthem – Greetings by the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Panagiotis Simandirakis
Speech on the events in the region by students of the General Lyceum of Nea Kydonia.
Traditional songs by students of the 2nd Primary School of Nea Kydonia.Dance and theater performance by the students of the Gymnasium of Nea Kydonia.Organization: Municipality of Chania, with the participation of the Primary and Secondary Schools of Chania
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
12:00 – Kolymbari – Monument
Memorial Prayer – Invitation of the Fallen – Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the Fallen – National Anthem
Greetings from the Mayor of Platanias, Mr. Ioannis Malandrakis
Speech from the Commander of the 5th A/M TAX “V Cretan Division”,
Brigadier General Mr. Nikolaos Kostakis ADFX
Organization: 5th A/M TAX “V Cretan Division”, Municipality of Platanias
18:30 – Nea Chora Harbor – Monument for Fallen Residents of Nea Chor
Memorial Prayer – Laying of wreaths- A minute of silence in memory of the Fallen
National Anthem by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Chania
Greetings from the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Panagiotis Simandirakis
Presentation of historical events by students Konstantinos Katsandredakis and Manos Lambrakis of the 3rd grade of the 1st Experimental High School of Chania (Professor in charge: Ms. Nikitoula Kapellaki)
Organized by: Municipality of Chania, Nea Chora Organizations
THURSDAY, MAY 22, 2025
20:00 at the Chania Cultural Center in Chania:
Documentary Screening “ANZAC: The Greek Chapter” (SEE ALSO extra posting)
First public screening in Crete of the documentary “Anzac: The Greek Chapter” by New Zealand producer and director John Irwin. It is a 90-minute film based on 130 hours of interviews, which tells the story of the brave defense of Greece by Australian and New Zealand soldiers (Anzacs), after the Nazi invasion in April 1941. In their own words, the veterans tell their previously unknown stories of their service in Greece and Crete, the fierce battles and suffering they endured and reveal how lasting bonds of love and respect were created between the Anzacs and the Greeks.
On 28 April, the Australian Embassy in Greece hosted the Greek premiere of the film at the Athens War Museum. The film was funded by the Saluting Their Service Commemorations Program of the Australian Government’s Department of Veterans Affairs and the Gallipoli Lemnos Memorial Committee in Melbourne.
Organized by: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Cultural Center of Chania
FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2025
11:00 – Firka Fortress Chania
Official Flag Raising – National Anthems
Organized by: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Municipality of Chania
Visit to the Naval Museum of Crete
Presentation of new Battle of Crete exhibits
Organized by: Naval Museum of Crete
13:30 – 42nd Street Tsikalaria – Australian and New Zealand Army Expeditionary Force (ANZAC) Memorial in Memory of May 27, 1941
Memorial Prayer – Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the fallen -National Anthems
Greetings and speech by the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Panagiotis Simandirakis
Greetings from Representatives of the Official Authorities of Australia and New Zealand
Organization: Municipality of Chania, with the participation of the Cultural Association of Tsikalaria, Australian ANZAC Memorial Committee
18:30 – Galatas – Greek-New Zealander Monument
Memorial Prayer – Laying of wreaths – A minute of silence in memory of the fallenNational AnthemsGreetings from the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Panagiotis SimandirakisGreetings from Representatives of Official Authorities of New Zealand
Organized by: Municipality of Chania
SATURDAY, MAY 24, 2025
10:00 – Alikianos – Keritis Monument
Memorial Prayer – Laying of Wreaths – A Minute of Silence in Memory of the Fallen -National Anthems
Greetings from the Mayor of Platanias, Mr. Ioannis Malandrakis
Speech on the events in the region by the President of the World Council of Cretans, Mr. Nikolaos Kastrinakis
Organization: Municipality of Platanias
17:00 – Souda – Event at the Allied Cemetery
Passage of the RAF Red Arrows Aerobatic Squadron
Memorial Service – Laying of Wreaths
Organization: British Embassy in Athens
SUNDAY 25 MAY 2025
11:00 – Holy Metropolitan Church of Chania – Official Doxology
07:00 – 10:00 Divine Liturgy
Memorial Service for the Fallen and Retired of the Battle of Crete
11:00 Official Doxology
Organization: Holy Metropolis of Kydonia & Apokoronas, Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Municipality Chania
11:30 – Old Port of Chania – Parade of Flagbearers of the Traditional Associations of Chania
Representatives of Traditional Associations of the Municipality of Chania will parade at the Port of Chania, starting at Talos Square and ending at Neorio Moro
With the participation of the Philharmonic of the Municipality of Chania
Organization: Municipality of Chania
13:30 – Maleme – Event at the German Cemetery
Memorial Service – Laying of WreathsOrganization: Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Athens
18:30 – Maleme Airport – CLOSING CEREMONY – Battle of Crete Monument
PART I– Battle of Crete Monument
Memorial Service Prayer – Laying of wreaths A minute of silence in memory of the fallen – National Anthems
PART II
Greetings from the Deputy Governor of Chania, Mr. Nikolaos Kalogeri
Greetings from the Mayor of Chania, Mr. Panagiotis Simandirakis
Speech from the Mayor of Platanias, Mr. Ioannis Malandrakis
Greetings by the Government Representative
Paratroopers’ Drop from the 1st Airborne Division
Aerial Display of a Single F16 Aircraft from the 115th Airborne Division
Organization: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Municipality of Platanias, Municipality of Chania, NK-ADFX, 5th Airborne Division, 115th Airborne Division, 1st Airborne Division
PARALLEL CULTURAL EVENTS
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 – 20:00 – Chania Cultural Center – Book Presentation
Presentation of the book “Children’s Testimonies about the Battle of Crete and the Occupation” which was published with the financial support of the Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania. Ms. Marina Aretaki, Dr. of Philology, teaching at the University of Crete, and Mr. Konstantinos Fournarakis, Head of the I.A.K. will speak about the book.
After the event, the book will be given free of charge to those present.
Organization: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Historical Archive of Crete, Cultural Center of Chania
Monday 19 May 2025 – 20:00 – Mikis Theodorakis Theatre
First public screening in Crete of the documentary “Tanais: In the Embrace of the Abyss” by Viki Arvelaki
A 70-minute documentary produced in 2025, which records parallel stories of Jews, Orthodox and Catholics, who lost their lives off the coast of Crete on 9 June 1944, after the torpedoing of the steamship Tanais, on which they were aboard as prisoners of war. Today, eight decades later, the film revives tragic historical events through a narrative perspective related to the present need for peace. The common fate of the victims of Tanais, despite coming from different backgrounds, their passions and misfortunes, are elements that unite people throughout time. The film raises questions about the causes that lead societies to escalation, the management of memory and our need to erase, preserve or “create” memories. Rare documents, maps, archive photographs and manuscripts are also presented, including the 1942 notebook of the student Markos Ishakis, who was among the victims of Tanais.
Credits: Direction: Viki Arvelaki, Director of Photography: Konstantinos Aidonis, Aerial shots: Giorgos Stefanidakis, Graphic design: Alexis Kouvaritakis, Color correction: Manolis Kolokotronis, Sound design: Yiannis Katsifarakis, Subtitling: Melissanthi Giannousi, Historical consultant: Konstantinos Mamalakis, Original music: Tiziano Calabrese, Original song “Markos”: Thanasis Papakonstantinou, Production: Cyclos Film, COSMOTE TV, Co Executive Producer COSMOTE TV: Faye Tsitsipi, Co Production Supervision COSMOTE TV: Giota Kalafati,
A discussion with the film’s contributors will follow the screening.
Organization: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Municipality of Chania, in collaboration with
Monday 19 and Wednesday 21 May 2025 – 17:00 & 18:30 – Agioi Apostoli & Souda Allied Cemetery
Historical guided tours program by the Association for the Preservation of the Memory of the Battle of Crete and the Resistance:
Monday 19 May 2025 – Agioi Apostoli
Meeting time: 17:00 for English guided tour and 18:30 for Greek guided tour
Meeting point: parking lot of the “Xenios Dias” complex
Program:
hiking around the three capes of Agioi Apostoli and reference to the history of the area from the Children’s Camps in 1939, to the conversion as the 7th Allied hospital and as a prisoner of war camp after the occupation of Crete until 1942, with period photographs
Wednesday, May 21 – Souda Allied Cemetery
Meeting time: 17:00 for an English tour and 18:30 for a Greek tourMeeting point: outside the main entrance of the Allied Cemetery
Program: walking around the graves and reference to the stories of those who have left and the events of the Battle of Crete
Tour: Mr. George Tsambas, Historian, Member of the Association for the Preservation of the Memory of the Battle of Crete and the Resistance
Tour duration: 1 hour
Applications: Department of Culture of the Municipality of Chania: politismos@chania.gr tel. 28213-41613
Organized by: Association for the Preservation of the Memory of the Battle of Crete and the Resistance
Tuesday, May 20 to Saturday, May 24, 2025 – Pilgrimage “Wish You Were Here”
Pilgrimage of the volunteer group “Wish You Were Here”
A 5-day hike that will be carried out in Crete by the seven-member volunteer group from Australia called “Wish You Were Here”, from May 20 to 25, 2025, as part of the commemorative events for the 84th Anniversary of the Battle of Crete, but also in an effort to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer. Their purpose is to honor the soldiers from Australia and New Zealand who fought in Greece and Crete in 1941, and at the same time to raise awareness of the symptoms and problems faced by patients with pancreatic cancer.
The mission program is as follows:
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 – 08:00 a.m.
Pilgrimage walk starting ceremony: Maleme Airport Museum, in the presence of a delegation from the Australian Embassy in Athens.
Destination: Old Port of Chania, Sintrivani Square (arrival time ~13:30 – 14:00)
Walk start time: 09:00 a.m.
Walk duration: ~5 hours
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 07:00 a.m.
Start of the hike from Eleftherias Square (Courts) to Tsikalaria and then Malaxa.
Stops: ANZAC Monument on 42nd Tsikalaria Street where a wreath will be laid
Hike duration: ~6 hours
Thursday, May 22, 2025 – 07:00 AM
of the hike from Malaxa to Vryses passing through the villages of Stylos, Neo Chorio, Agioi Pantes, Metochi
Hike duration: ~5-6 hours
Friday, May 23 – 07:30 AM
Start of the hike from Vryses to Askifou passing through the village of Embrosneros Duration of the hike: ~6-7 hours
Saturday, May 24, 2025 – time 08:00 AM
Start of the hike from Askifou to Chora Sfakion
Hiking duration: ~5-6 hours
With the support of the Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, the Municipality of Chania and the Municipality of Platanias
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – 19:00 – Chania Cultural Center – Theatrical Performance “Battle of Crete”
Theatrical performance by the students of the 1st Primary School of Nea Kydonia “Mikis Theodorakis” on the theme of the Battle of Crete. This is an adaptation of the plays by Cleopatra Prifti (Scenes from the Battle of Crete) and Haris Mesarchakis (Window to the Sun)
Arrival time: 18:30
Entrance is free.
Organized by: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Cultural Center of Chania
Friday, May 30, 2025 – time 20:30 – Historical Archive Garden of Crete (Κήπος Ιστορικού Αρχείου Κρήτης) – Performance on the Occupation and the Rembetiko Song
Narrative and musical performance on the theme: “The Occupation in Chania and the Rembetiko Song”, which is based on true testimonies of fellow villagers as they experienced them as children of the Occupation and remained engraved in their memory. The narratives are accompanied by rembetiko songs about the soldiers on the Albanian Front, the hunger of the Occupation, the saltadors, the black market dealers and in general about the gloom of the War.
Narration: Nikos Blazakis
Music: Alexandros Halavazis (bouzouki) and Dimitris Vourlakis (guitar)
Song: Melina Koufogiannaki
Organization: Region of Crete-Regional Unit of Chania, Historical Archive of Crete
Source: NEOI HOROIZONTES
