Chris George, providing reliable PR counsel and effective advocacy. Greek Independence Day celebrates the anniversary of the declaration of the start of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. Required fields are marked *. So what was different about the act of resistance that would eventually lead to Greece’s freedom? This day is basically for the celebration of the declaration of the Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire. However, through the centuries, Greek religion and their sense of Hellenism remained strong, as did the desire for some form of independence fostered, in large part, by the Greek Orthodox Church, as well as the survival of the Greek language. March 25th, 1821 is regarded to be the starting day of the Greek Revolution, although according to historical evidence, the revolution against the Turks had begun earlier. Our Founding Fathers drew inspiration from ancient Greece’s example as they framed our Constitution and formed the world’s first modern democracy. Independence day celebrates the separation of Greece from the Ottoman empire. The following is an excerpt from my book: Today marks the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. Generally, because the Greeks felt oppressed, this caused unrest throughout occupied Greece. Those who were unable to flee Greece and establish new lives in Western Europe suffered. The parade will feature tanks rolling down the avenue in front of Parliament in the Greek capital and military aircraft flying past the ancient Acropolis. From the graves of our slain, Thus began the 9-year revolution for freedom. 5 hours ago Each year on March 25, Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day, which is a national holiday in Greece. Remembering the commencement of the war of independence against the Turkish Ottoman Empire, the day holds extreme significance in Greek history. We knew thee of old, The Greeks experienced early successes on the battlefield, including the capture of Athens in 1822, but infighting ensued. Celebrating 200 Years of Freedom – in Photos. There really isn't anything wrong with the sentence you propose and it does make sense to a Greek reader, but the 25th of March isn't really the sort of celebration where we greet others in this manner. 5. Greece also had help from other countries, particularly the British, with whom it was the fashion to embrace anything from Ancient Greece. The Greeks were later assisted by Great Britain, France and Russia, while the Ottomans were aided by their North Afri… Today, in fact, marks the beginning of the Greek War for Independence, not the end. Greece's Independence Day is actually a holiday that has blended over time with an older festival - the Feast of the Annunciation History of Greek Independence Day 3. Greek Independence Day is also celebrated in other countries. On 25 March 1821, Greece revolted against the Ottoman Empire, of which it had been part for nearly 4 centuries. A Greco-Turkish settlement was determined by the European powers at a conference in London and Greece was declared an independent monarchical state under their protection in 1830. In 1864, the Ionian islands were added to Greece; in 1881 parts of Epirus and Thessaly. Greeks remained under the Ottoman rule for nearly 400 years. Another problem was that Orthodox Christians weren’t able to express their faith in public. They understood that without Greece’s influence, modern intellectual, artistic, and scientific knowledge might not be as advanced as it is today. Cities around the world with large Greek populations hold parades in honor of Independence Day and Greek traditions and customs. March 25, the Independence Day in Greece March 25 is both a national (revolution against the Turks) and religious holiday (Annunciation). Lord George Byron also fought in the rebellious areas of Greece from December 1823 until 7 April 1824, when he died at Missolonghi. Today marks the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day. The Greek War of Independence, also known as the Greek Revolution of 1821 or Greek Revolution (Greek: Ελληνική Επανάσταση, Elliniki Epanastasi; referred to by Greeks in the 19th century as simply the Αγώνας, Agonas, "Struggle"; Ottoman: يونان عصياني Yunan İsyanı, "Greek Mutiny"), was a successful war of independence by Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1830. 9. Greeks celebrate the 25th of March as a double holiday: a historical and a religious one. The celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821 (Greek: Εορτασμός της Ελληνικής Επανάστασης του 1821, Eortasmós tis Ellinikís Epanástasis tou 1821), less commonly known as Independence Day, takes place in Greece, Cyprus and Greek diaspora centers on 25 March every year, coinciding with the Feast of the Annunciation. The popular cry “Freedom or Death” became the motto of the revolution and was constantly heard throughout the liberation. 7. War of Greek Independence (1821–32), rebellion of Greeks within the Ottoman Empire, a struggle which resulted in the establishment of an independent kingdom of Greece. It coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church ’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God. Hi Andrew & Happy Greek Independance Day to you as well! In this video I take you on a historical journey to the Greek War of Independence to educate you on what is now known as Greek Independence Day, held on March 25th.Greece has had many lives over the passed 5,000 years, and I am proud of where we have come regardless of what problems she may face. March 25th, 1821 is marked as the day when Greece revolted against the Ottoman Empire. Greek Australian students at the Shrine of Remembrance, Melbourne, seen during a past march commemorating the Greek Independence Day. The choice of this day is not accidental. Oh, divinely restored, Over Byron’s body weep. Greek Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. SBS Greek. Those are just two examples of problems that arose between the Turks and the Greeks. Greece and Cyprus celebrates a public holiday on October, 28th every year. Each year on March 25, Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day, which is a national holiday in Greece. Several factors contributed to the Turks coming to Greece, including the Byzantine Empire, which ruled for around 1100 years and then began to decline. It is also the religious holiday of The Annunciation that is observed on this day by Eastern Orthodoxy. Foreign dignitaries, including Prince Charles, representing the UK, are among the few spectators of the event. Greece was struggling for over 400 years to gain independence, and finally in 1821 they became an independent state. This battle was a major victory which eventually led to the signing of the Treaty of Erdine in 1829 which finally established an Independent Greek state. The struggle for the liberation of all the lands inhabited by Greeks continued. The revolution was associated with an important celebration of the Greek orthodox church: The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. At the naval Battle of Navarino in 1827, the combined British, French, and Russian forces destroyed an Ottoman-Egyptian fleet. A custom across the country on this day is to eat crispy, fried cod fish with garlic sauce (Bakaliaros skordalia). The Greek Independence Day Parade has become a personal history lesson, a day of remembrance, and pride. The stories go that on March 25, the day of Annunciation of the … Hail! This holiday is Greece's National Day and is always celebrated on March 25th. Hail, Liberty! His prestige and his role as a representative of the philhellenic London Committee (which raised both moral and financial support) came in a critical time for the course of the Greek cause. Lots of pride. Well, there were several factors at play. (This English translation of the revolutionary ballad is by Rudyard Kipling in 1918.). There were several resistance movements that formed through the duration of Turkish rule. Around the world, Greek emigrants and those of Greek descent also parade and conduct flag ceremonies in celebration of the 9-year victorious struggle to free their country. As we greet thee again- This holiday is Greece's National Day and is always celebrated on March 25th. Your email address will not be published. After World War II the Dodecanese islands were also returned to Greece. Just as the revolution appeared to be on the verge of failure, Great Britain, France, and Russia intervened in the conflict. 10. Greece Independence Day is a national holiday that is celebrated on 25 th March every year. Greektown Chicago is hosting a free virtual celebration of the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day on Thursday, March 25 at 7 pm CST (8 pm Eastern Time). https://www.facebook.com/greekcitytimes/videos/435413684229189, PM Mitsotakis Easter message following Resurrection services, Greek President Sakellaropoulou visits Limnos, Ai-Stratis on Orthodox Easter, Paul Ioannidis, close associate of Aristotle Onassis, passes away, Crowd in Corfu keep ‘botides’ tradition of pot-smashing alive despite restrictions (VIDEO), Anastasi celebrated with Molotovs and Fire in Neos Kosmos, Athens. The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. Greece is celebrating its Bicentennial with a spectacular Greek Independence Day Parade today. Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1453 with the Byzantine Empire fell to the Turks. Let the war, the bloodshed sleep; In this video I take you on a historical journey to the Greek War of Independence to educate you on what is now known as Greek Independence Day, March 25th. The day holds a historically significant importance as it is also the day of National Anniversary of Greek Independence. Greek Independence Day, national holiday celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. Hail! 1. By mid-1832 the northern frontier of the new state had been set along the line extending from south of Volos to south of Árta. Greece celebrates its Independence Day on March 25 th every year. The majority of Greeks were called “Rayah” by the Turks, a name that referred to the large mass of non-Muslim subjects. By the lights of thine eyes, With colourful parades in traditional costumes and proud flag-waving, Greek Independence Day on March 25th is a celebration that goes to the heart of the country’s identity – for it marks the date on which modern Greece was born. Greece's Independence Day is actually a holiday that has blended over time with an older festival - the Feast of the Annunciation History of Greek Independence Day This is when Greeks remember their long struggle against the Ottoman Empire, an effort that eventually leads to Greece’s independence. Turkish reign was oppressive for many reasons. Shall thy valour prevail, However, it wasn’t until March 25, 1821, that these movements posed any real threat to the Ottoman Empire. Once the capital of the Byzantine Empire was taken, it was only a matter of time before much of Greece fell under Ottoman control. There is also an armed forces parade in Athens. Independence Day coincides with the Greek Orthodox Church’s celebration of the Annunciation to the Theotokos, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and told her that she would bear the son of God. The revolt began under the leadership of Alexander Ypsilantis. Crete, the islands of the Eastern Aegean and Macedonia were added in 1913 and Western Thrace in 1919. By 1827 Athens and most of the Greek isles had been recaptured by the Turks. Hail, Liberty! On this day, parades featuring Greek flags, people dressed in traditional clothing, and marching bands, take place all over Greece. Call 613-983-0801 @ CG&A COMMUNICATIONS. March 25, 1821; It is the starting day of the successful struggle of the Greek people against the tyrannical Ottoman Empire between 1821-1830, which resulted in the establishment of an independent state. When is the Greek Independence Day Celebrated? Here is a summary of the war. There is a school flag parade in every town and village and a big armed forces parade in Athens, the capital of Greece. Owing to the massive significance and importance which is associated with the day it is also known as “World War II National Holiday” 6. For hundreds of years, much of Greece had been taken over by the Ottoman Empire until the 1820’s when much of the country eventually overcame Turkish rule. Due to the pandemic, the parade is off limits to the public. Hither come and silently Throughout Greece, Cyprus, Australia, the United States, Germany, Britain, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and beyond- Greeks will be holding their blue and white flag high with pride! Each year on March 25, Greeks all over the world celebrate Greek Independence Day, which is a national holiday in Greece. If you’re new to Greece you might be confused by the sight of locals everywhere tucking into plates of “bakaliaros skordalia” – fried salty cod with garlic sauce made of potato and olive oil – on Greek Independence Day, March 25. In the Battle of Navarino, British, Russian, and French forces destroyed an Ottoman fleet. The war lasted until 1829 and required the assistance of Russia, Britain and France. Here is the recipe for Bakaliaros skordalia. He was defeated, but, in the meantime, other rebels in Greece took up the cause. There is a huge mistake in our geography, in fact, … And the light of thy Sword, Hail, Liberty! At one point, they used the Parthenon to store munitions and didn’t treat it as the beautiful, historical landmark it really was. In celebration of Greek Independence Day, towns and villages throughout Greece hold a school flag parade, during which schoolchildren march in traditional Greek costume and carry Greek flags. How is Greek Independence Day celebrated? Encyclopaedia Britannica on Greek Independence Day and War of Greek Independence. As we greet thee again- However, the Ottoman Empire’s push to Greece eventually began when they captured Constantinople in 1453. 4. As we greet thee again- Pronunciation of Greek Independence Day with 1 audio pronunciations 0 rating rating ratings Record the pronunciation of this word in your own … 2. This war-cry is also a significant part of the Greek flag: it is believed that the nine lines of the flag reflects the number of syllables in the Greek phrase “Eleftheria i Thanatos” = Freedom or Death. On Greek Independence Day, we celebrate the history and values that unite the United States of America and the Hellenic Republic. Greek Independence Day is celebrated on March 25th every year and is a major public holiday. Since most of Greece is Orthodox, this caused a feeling of unease amongst the Greek people. The Greek National Celebration was blended with another traditional festival called the Feast of the Annunciation. The Ottoman Empire ruled for around four hundred years, and this wasn’t easy for the Greeks. Each year on the 25th March, Athens comes to a standstill for Greek Independence Day, which commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821. Dionysios Solomos wrote the lyrics in 1824, Nikolaos Mantzaros put it to music in 1828. First, the Greek people were finally tired of Turkish rule, so they organised their resources and formed a resistance movement that was finally successful. However the Orthodox Church allowed an exception for the celebration of the Annunciation and that it the Cod fish! War of Greek Independence (Mar 25, 2021) …March 25, 1821—still celebrated as Greek Independence Day—when Germanos, archbishop of Pátrai, unfurled. Therefore, Independence Day holds much importance in the hearts of the people of Greece. Dionysios Solomos wrote a poem Ode on the Death of Lord Byron (first verse) which honours the poet and the liberal revolutionary: For a moment, Liberty, In Greece, it is a public holiday, and many go to church in the morning to celebrate the Annunciation, and then go to a memorial service to mark Greek Independence. When it comes to Greek food, you don ’ t necessarily need a big holiday like Greek Independence Day to throw a huge feast (for the record, it ’ s today, March 25). Greek Independence Day (March 25th) is celebrated annually with parades, festivals, and programs in several cities in the United States including Baltimore, Detroit, Chicago, Boston, Ft. Lee, New Jersey, and Tarpon Springs, Florida. Not only the flag, but the the Greek National Anthem “Hymn to Liberty” was born of the revolution. The Greek struggle had elicited strong sympathy in Europe, and many leading intellectuals had promoted the Greek cause, including and most notably the English poet Lord Byron. 8. One problem was that they had an apparent disregard for Greece’s glorious past. Greek Independence Day is a national holiday celebrated annually in Greece on March 25, commemorating the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821. You just need a hungry crowd, a vast knowledge of feta cheese and olive oil and the burning desire to feed a lot of people you love. The “Greek Revolution” was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1830. This has to do with the Lent before Eastern, where no animals or animal products should be eaten. Greeks got their independence after massive battles, revolts, and sacrifices made by their freedom fighters. The “Greek Revolution” was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries against the Ottoman Empire between 1821 and 1830. Aren’t they supposed to be smack in the middle of the Greek Orthodox Lenten period where eating any kind of sea creature with a backbone is forbidden? It states the start of the revolution against the dominance of Ottoman empire. Your email address will not be published. Though what ensued was a period of uncertainty in Greece, the country was officially independent. NYC has hosted a parade since 1938. Through these years, Orthodox Christians were granted some political rights, but they were considered inferior subjects. Today, cities throughout the world will celebrate. (Nikolaos Gyzis) Today is the 200th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. March 25 is the nameday for Vangelis or Evangelos and Vangelio or Evangelia or Eva. Need a go-to writer and experienced communicator? Hail! The Greek Independence Day Parade gave us all permission to be proud for who we were–something different from Americans. 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