Greek Independence Day

On March 25, in Greece and Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day. It is a national holiday celebrating the revolution which began in 1821 against the Ottoman Empire. The Empire had occupied Greece for over 400 years.

March 25 is a dual holiday for the Greek people. It is also a religious holiday, celebrating the Feast of the Annunciation. It is the day the archangel Gabriel informed The Virgin Mary that she will give birth to a divine child.

There are church services for the Feast. However, most of the focus on this day is on the national celebration. There are parades in all the cities and villages. School children dress in folk costumes and carry Greek flags. The Greek diaspora follows this tradition. Although not always on March 25, several cities in the United States hold parades: New York, Chicago, Boston, Tarpon Springs, Baltimore, Detroit, and Philadelphia.

On Sunday, April 30, 2023 at 1PM, you will be able to follow the annual Boston Greek Independence Day Parade. Starting on Boylston Street Near Lord and Taylor. It will proceed up Boylston Street to Tremont Street, ending at the Boston City Hall Plaza. There will be Greek music, food, and traditional Greek dances at Boston Common

As is customary to associate a particular meal to a holiday, March 25 is no exception. Because the Feast falls during lent, fish is the traditional meal—Fried cod (bakaliaro) accompanied with garlic spread (skordalia).

When my sister sent the smallest size evzon outfit she could find for my two and half-year-old grandson, I did not hesitate to dress him in it. It fit him much better a year later.
I have had the privilege to witness parades in Greece and in Boston.
Enjoy the photographs and Ζητω η Ελλας, (Zito e Ellas) (Long live Greece)

Click on the links for information about Greek Independence Day