Belgrade Liberation Day in Serbia Date in the current year: October 20, 2024

Following the occupation of Yugoslavia by Nazi Germany in 1941, Serbia was placed under a military government of occupation by the Wehrmacht. It was known as the Territory of the Military Commander in Serbia. The occupation of Serbia lasted for more than three years until Belgrade was liberated through the joint efforts of the Soviet Red Army, National Liberation Army and Partisan Detachments of Yugoslavia, and the Bulgarian People’s Army.

The military operation in which Belgrade was liberated is known as the Belgrade Strategic Offensive Operation or simply the Belgrade Offensive. It began on September 28, 1944, with the attack of the 57th army of the Red Army. The final run towards Belgrade started on October 12. On October 20, the Serbian capital was liberated by joint Soviet and Yugoslav forces.

The German army suffered heavy losses during the Belgrade Offensive and had to abandon most of the food, ammunition and equipment. The liberation of Belgrade was the first step towards the liberation of the rest of Yugoslavia. No wonder that its anniversary has become an official observance.