Yesterday was one of the most important national holidays in Greece, the celebration of the Greek Revolution that began on March 25, 1821, against the Ottoman Empire. It was essentially a war fought to liberate Greece after 400 years of Ottoman rule. The leaders of the revolution chose this day because it coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation magnifying the importance of the celebration. Military and school parades are held all across the country to honor the fallen heroes of the independence war and celebrate Independence Day.
On this day, Greeks celebrate with their families and friends, and tradition dictates that the family table consists mainly of cod and garlic sauce, although over the years, the tradition has evolved to include other types of fish.
To prepare for the celebration, supplies are gathered in advance. On Friday, I went to the local flea market to get some fish, fruits, and vegetables.
For the family table I bought Solea fish for me , Cod to Honor the tradition , cucumber and tomatoes from Crete , lettuce , oranges and apples to eat after lunch.
For modern Greeks, aside from the obvious celebrations of Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation, this day marks the official start of spring. If the weather is good, people go out to walk, drink coffee, and socialize. Yesterday, the weather was sunny and 20 degrees Celsius, making it the perfect day to go out and celebrate the beginning of spring. It was a fulfilling day for me, being able to see the spring colors, flowers, and even the bees.
I had a great day to start my weekend, and after the walk, I enjoyed a peaceful moment at the family table. I even left my phone for hours, enjoying the company of loved ones and savoring the moment.
I couldn't attend the parade today so i don't have any pictures but i will attach a link of the great parade in Athens for anyone who would like to see.
For some Neo- Greek History Read the following from Wikipedia
The Greek War of Independence,also known as the Greek Revolution or the Greek Revolution of 1821, was a successful war of independence by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1829. In 1826, the Greeks became assisted by the British Empire, Kingdom of France, and the Russian Empire, while the Ottomans were aided by their North African vassals, particularly the eyalet of Egypt. The war led to the formation of modern Greece, which would be expanded to include its modern borders in later years. The revolution is celebrated by Greeks around the world as independence day on 25 March every year.
All Greek territory, except the Ionian Islands, came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century, in the decades surrounding the Fall of Constantinople.>
The Feast of the Annunciation, in Greek, Ο Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου, contemporarily the Solemnity of the Annunciation, and also called Lady Day, the Feast of the Incarnation (Festum Incarnationis), or Conceptio Christi (Christ’s Conception), commemorates the visit of the archangel Gabriel to the Virgin Mary, during which he informed her that she would be the mother of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. It is celebrated on 25 March each year. In the Roman Catholic Church, if 25 March falls during the Paschal Triduum, it is transferred forward to the first suitable day during Eastertide.[2] In Eastern Orthodoxy and Eastern Catholicism, it is never transferred, even if it falls on Pascha (Easter). The concurrence of these two feasts is called Kyriopascha.>
