On Sunday 4 October 2026, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis visited Xanthi as representative of the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, on the occasion of the anniversary of the liberation of the city.

Mr. Davakis attended the Doxology officiated by His Eminence the Metropolitan of Xanthi and Peritheorion, Panteleimon, at the Metropolitan Church of Timios Prodromos. Afterwards, he visited the City’s Memorial, where he attended a memorial service and laying of wreaths before the parade.

The celebrations were also attended by MPs Spyros Tsiliggiris and Burhan Baran, the Head of Region for Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Christodoulos Topsidis, the Mayor of Xanthi Efstratios Kontos, the Chief HAGS, Lieutenant General Georgios Kostidis, the Commanding General of the Supreme Military Command of Thrace, Lieutenant General Panagiotis Kavidopoulos, representatives of political parties, the Security Forces, and the Local Government, Armed Forces Officers and NCOs, as well as representatives of Retired and Reserve Officer Associations, local bodies, and associations.

After the parade, the Deputy Minister of National Defence stated the following:

“I am here in Xanthi today, representing the Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in order to honour a historic milestone for our Thrace.

The entry of Greek troops in Xanthi, on 4 October 1919, sealed the definitive annexation of the city to the mainland, which was officially validated one year later by means of the Treaty of Sévres, which put an end to a long period of struggle and instability.

On this day, we are reminded of our duty to maintain our collective memory and constantly protect our country.

With modern, powerful Armed Forces and sensible planning, Greece is sending today a message of power, stability, and peace”.