The annual student parade celebrating Greece’s Independence Day took place in central Athens, accompanied by the melodic sounds of the Athens Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra, on March 24.

As tradition dictates, the General Lyceum of Kalavryta—where the revolution against four centuries of Ottoman rule began—led the parade. Students, dressed in traditional attire, marched with pride, carrying the banner of the 1821 Revolution, honoring the historic struggle for freedom.

Today’s parade was a tribute to the Greek War of Independence, with students honoring the nation’s history in the presence of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Minister Sofia Zacharaki, President of of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, and other dignitaries.

Before the parade commenced, wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Military Parade and Salutes Scheduled for March 25

Looking ahead to the main celebrations on March 25, Athens will host the grand military parade. According to the Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA), the day’s events will begin with a 21-gun salute from Lycabettus Hill in the early morning, followed by the official flag-raising ceremony at the Acropolis. The military parade is set to commence at 11:00 am.

Traffic Disruptions in Central Athens

Traffic restrictions are in effect today due to the student parade, with temporary road closures and parking bans in key areas. The following roads will be affected:

• Vasilissis Amalias Avenue (entire length and both directions, including side streets up to the first parallel road)

• Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (from Sekeri Street to Vasilissis Amalias Avenue, direction toward Syntagma Square)

• Vasileos Georgiou A’ Street (entire length)

• El. Venizelou (Panepistimiou) Street (entire length and side streets up to the first parallel road)

• Vasilissis Olgas Avenue (entire length, both directions)

• Syngrou Avenue (from Athanasiou Diakou Street to Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, direction toward Syntagma Square)

Road closures will be in effect from 10:00 am until the end of the events, while parking restrictions began at 6:00 am and will remain until the parade concludes.