October 30, Liberation of Thessaloniki from the Nazis

On 30 October 1944, the left-wing Greek People's Liberation Army (ELAS) liberated Thessaloniki from Nazi occupation.

At dawn, ELAS units stopped the Nazis from blowing up power plants and food factories, while others attacked retreating German units. By 2 PM liberation was complete and the partisans began parading through the streets.

The population then gathered and elected representatives of self-government. The city remained under the control of the local community until February the following year when it was taken over by the right-wing Greek state.

Over the course of the occupation, 10% of Thessaloniki’s population was killed, including 96% of its Jewish population, and 90% of its industry was destroyed.