Thessaloniki: Traffic restrictions for October 28 celebrations
The city of Thessaloniki will host a series of events for the national anniversary and St. Demetrius feast, leading to road closures and traffic changes.
- Traffic restrictions are scheduled from October 22 to October 28.
- Closures affect military rehearsals, religious processions, and parades.
- Avoid driving in the city center and waterfront areas during these dates.
If you are visiting Thessaloniki, expect heavy traffic and potential disruptions to public transport. Check your route in advance and consult your hotel or car rental agency regarding specific closures in your area.
Road closures and traffic changes
The Thessaloniki Traffic Police Directorate has announced a series of traffic restrictions effective from October 22 through October 28. These measures are in place to facilitate religious events, military rehearsals, and parades honoring the city’s patron saint, St. Demetrius, and the national anniversary on October 28.
Key schedule
- October 22: Military parade rehearsals will take place from 07:30 to 14:00 on the Thessaloniki–Nea Moudania National Road. Traffic will be diverted through the Thermi area.
- October 25: A religious procession will cause closures in the city center from 10:30 to 13:30, affecting streets including Agiou Dimitriou, Eleftheriou Venizelou, Egnatia, and Agias Sofias.
- October 26: On the feast day of St. Demetrius, Agiou Dimitriou Street will be closed to all vehicles from 10:30 to 13:30.
- October 27: The student parade will lead to closures on Tsimiski and Pavlou Mela streets starting at 10:30.
- October 28: The main military parade will result in extensive closures. Starting at 05:00, major arteries such as Megalou Alexandrou Avenue and Georgiou Papandreou Street will be closed. Additional closures near the waterfront will begin at 07:00.
Parking restrictions
In addition to road closures, stopping and parking will be prohibited on numerous streets along the parade and procession routes. These bans begin on different dates, with some areas restricted as early as October 25. Visitors are advised to pay close attention to local signage and avoid parking on major streets identified by police authorities.
