Crete Celebrates 85 Years Since WWII's Historic Battle of Crete

Sunday, 24 May 2026/Source: Flashnews/1 min read

Crete marked the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Crete with a series of commemorative events centered at Maleme airfield, in the Chania regional unit on the northwest coast. The Battle of Crete (May 20-June 1, 1941) was one of World War II's most significant airborne invasions, and Maleme was its focal point. This year's ceremonies featured a dramatic F-16 aerobatic display by a pilot from the 115th Combat Wing, followed by a paratrooper jump over the airfield, replicating the German airborne assault that took place 85 years ago. The Maleme War Cemetery, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, is located nearby and is open to visitors year-round. Travelers in the Chania area can visit the cemetery and the local Battle of Crete Museum to learn more about the island's wartime history.