In Greece, March 25th is a very special day. It’s not just springtime; it’s a day to remember two important things: a religious event and the start of a big war.

First, it’s a religious holiday. Christians celebrate when the angel Gabriel told Mary she would have Jesus. This is called the Annunciation. Families go to church and eat special food.

Second, it’s the day Greece started fighting for its freedom in 1821. For hundreds of years, another country, the Ottoman Empire, ruled Greece. But on March 25th, the Greeks said, “No more!” They fought for almost ten years and finally became a free country.

WHY CELEBRATE THE START?

Why celebrate the day the war started, not the day it ended? Because the start was a big moment! It was when the Greeks decided to be brave and fight for themselves. It was when they took control of their own future.

Also, March 25th is the same day as the religious holiday. This made people think God was helping them win the war. It was seen as a lucky sign.

On this day, churches are full.

Big cities have parades with soldiers and flags. The main parade takes place in central Athens. The parade shows the strength and capabilities of the Hellenic Armed Forces. It features units from all branches of the military, including the army, navy, and air force. Military vehicles and equipment are often part of the procession. There are also marching bands that add to the ceremonial atmosphere. The event is broadcast on national television, allowing people across the country to participate in the celebration.

There are also parades with schoolchildren, who are dressed in traditional clothing.

In addition to the main military parade in Athens, smaller parades and celebrations take place in cities and towns throughout Greece.

People put up Greek flags everywhere. And they eat a special dish: fried fish (cod) with garlic sauce (skordalia). They can eat fish even during Lent because it’s a special religious day.

VOCABULARY:

Ελλάδα (Elláda): Greece

Εθνικός (Ethnikós): National

Επέτειος (Epeteios): Anniversary

Γιορτή (Yiortí): Celebration, feast

Παρέλαση (Parélasi): Parade

Σημαία (Simaía): Flag

Πατρίδα (Patrída): Homeland

Ανεξαρτησία “Anexartisía: Independence

Αγώνας (Agónas): Struggle, fight

Ήρωας (Íroas): Hero

Μάχη (Máchi): Battle

Λάβαρο (Lávaro): Banner

Food Related:

Μπακαλιάρος (Bakaliáros): Cod

Σκορδαλιά (Skordaliá): Garlic sauce

Παραδοσιακό (Paradosiakó): Traditional

So, if you find yourself in Greece on March 25th, be prepared to witness a vibrant display of national pride and religious devotion. It’s a day that truly captures the heart and soul of the Greek people.

You can also check out this, some extra food to feed your curiosity about this memorable day:

And before you go… if you truly want to start mastering Greek in style, we recommend starting with our Greek Crash Course.