January 27, 2025 is the day of the 80th anniversary of the Auschwitz Liberation. Every year, important diplomats and guests gather on the Memorial grounds to honour those who have lost their lives.
The Holocaust was the single most heinous thing done during World War II. It serves as an important symbol of what may happen if we turn a blind eye to xenophobia. That’s why every year we commemorate the day Auschwitz was liberated as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
The 80th is particularly important as it’s likely one of the last ones to be able to host Auschwitz survivors, as they get older and less numerous.
History of Liberation of German Nazi concentration camp
German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp in Auschwitz, Poland, was the result of a Nazi German plan to enact mass genocide of the Jewish people in Europe. It was in operation between 1940 and 1945. Nevertheless, it has seen over 1.1 million people waste away in such a short period of time.
By the Winter of 1945, the Nazis were forced to retreat from Poland due to a two-pronged attack from the Allies and the Soviet Union.
Understanding the weight of their situation, they tried to cover up their crimes by destroying the crematoria and forcing the prisoners back to evacuate to Germany in what we know now as the Death Marches.
Auschwitz was finally liberated on January 27th, 1945. On that day Soviet soldiers found the remaining prisoners who were too weak or sickly to march. They were absolutely appalled by the conditions these people were found in.
After the war ended, the Polish government has established protected zones around certain parts of the camp in order to turn it into Auschwitz Memorial and Museum. Later on, the United Nations recognised 27 January as the International Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Basic information about the event
On the 26th and 27th of January, the Auschwitz Museum will be closed. That means there will be no opportunity to take an Auschwitz tour or visit the Holocaust Memorial.
On January 27, 2025 at 4pm CET, the event will begin. There will be 2 different zones:
- Closed area – for Museum staff, guests, diplomats and Auschwitz survivors. They will be seated in a tent set up in front of the Auschwitz-II Birkenau gate.
- Open area – for everyone else who wants to attend the anniversary.
The commemoration will also be streamed on YouTube and televised via TVP.
How to get to the Auschwitz Holocaust Memorial
You can go to the International Holocaust Remembrance Day in a few different ways:
- By train – Oswiecim is the Polish name of the town where Auschwitz is located, and that’s the name of the station you want to reach. You can get there directly from Krakow or with one layover from Krakow Airport of Katowice Station.
- By car – the address of the Auschwitz Memorial is: Ofiar Faszyzmu 12, 32-600 Brzezinka. You may have some issues with road blockages or parking, though.
- By taxi – you will get to and from the location directly, so it may be a good option if you don’t want to drive – especially with a group. KrakowDirect may provide such services – from individuals to large delegations.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to visit Auschwitz before or after the commemoration, we can arrange an Auschwitz tour in English for you. Check out our website or call us for more information.
FAQs
When is the 80th Liberation of Auschwitz Anniversary starting?
The event will take place on January 17th, 2025 at 4pm CET (Polish time).
Do you need tickets for Liberation of Auschwitz anniversary?
You can attend the ceremony for free, but unless you’re eligible for a special invitation, you can only do so at the open zone only.
You’ll find information about entering the open area a few weeks before the event at www.auschwitz.org.
Can I use photos from Auschwitz Liberation anniversary?
Auschwitz Museum reserves the right to use Auschwitz photos in a manner that honours or positively depicts it as a Holocaust memorial grounds. Feel free to ask for permission for use of the images via their email – press@auschwitz.org.