Chortiatis Holocaust: 82nd anniversary commemorations announced

The Municipality of Pyla-Chortiatis is organizing a three-day series of commemorative events to mark the 82nd anniversary of the Holocaust of Chortiatis. On September 2, 1944, 149 residents—primarily women, children, and infants—were burned alive by Nazi flamethrowers in retaliation for ELAS activities.

Mayor Ignatios Kaitezidis emphasized that the trauma remains unhealed and that the message of such atrocities resonates throughout Greek society, linking the site to other historical massacres like those in Distomo and Kalavryta. The municipality, officially recognized as one of Greece's Martyr Municipalities, will host a delegation from the sister municipality of Latsia-Geri, Cyprus.

The program, scheduled from August 31 to September 2, includes a historical walk of remembrance, a peace cycling event, and various musical performances. The commemorations will culminate on September 2 with an Archieratic Memorial Service at the Byzantine Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the victims' memorial.