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Mourners mark seventh anniversary of deadly Mati wildfire

Featured Mourners mark seventh anniversary of deadly Mati wildfire

Residents and survivors gathered in the seaside town of Mati on Wednesday to mark the seventh anniversary of Greece's deadliest wildfire, holding a series of solemn events to honor the 104 people killed in the 2018 tragedy.

The day of remembrance began with a memorial service at a church in nearby Neos Voutzas, where the names of the victims were read aloud. Afterward, a procession moved to the Mati nautical club for speeches and a video tribute.

In a message, families and survivors said, “We will not back down, we will not be buried a second time.”

The evening culminated in a silent procession to the coast near a site where 26 people died. In an emotional climax, relatives released 104 floating lanterns into the sea—one for each victim—while chanting “immortals.”

The annual event serves as a call for accountability and a vow to never forget those who were lost.