Battle of Crete

Commemorations of the fierce resistance

On May 20th, 1941, the skies above Crete were filled with a strange new phenomenon - thousands of Nazi paratroopers landing in a massive invasion of the island. Hitler expected a swift, easy conquest which would complete his occupation of Greece. Instead, he encountered vigorous resistance from the Cretans, foreign residents, and Allied forces based at Maleme Airbase and other points on the island.

While the Third Reich was ultimately successful in occupying the island, Crete exacted such a price from the German forces during its ten days of resistance that the Fuhrer abandoned plans for any similar attacks elsewhere, bemoaning the loss of almost 4500 elite paratroopers.

What to Expect on Crete

If you are traveling in Crete during this period, allow for delays, possible rerouting, and a general holiday atmosphere. Normal travel services will be interrupted to some degree as both visitors and residents join in the events. While the major cities have the biggest celebrations, most small towns and villages will be commemorating the day in some way. Keep an eye out for special memorial services and other observations, both festive and solemn. Don't be alarmed if you see a few paratroopers in the sky - it's a recreation, not a new invasion.

While the battle is commemorated each year, major anniversaries will have more vigorous celebrations. The 60th anniversary in 2001 was a major celebration across the island, and the 65th was also vigorously noted. Expect the 70th and 75th to also be commemorated. Even though the original participants may have passed away, in Crete events of four or five hundred years ago seem like yesterday, and this day will be remembered for a long time to come.

Even casual visitors to the island will find memories of the event everywhere, in small shrines to the dead, or in more unusual relics such as a tiny cave at Agios Nikolaos which was used by members of the Resistance during the Nazi occupation of Crete. Some of the names of these brave men and women are chiselled into the rocks toward the rear of the cave, which is now a popular bar. There is no admission fee, though the proprietors naturally expect you to purchase a drink. They are more than happy to provide a flashlight to see the inscriptions more clearly. Look for the neon sign saying "Cave Bar" opposite the restaurant-crammed corniche.

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