25th March, The Annunciation and Independence Day of Greece.

Annunciation – Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου
This is the day to celebrate the good message that was given by God’s angel to the Virgin Mary.

An Angel came to her, gave her a lily and told her that she will bring to the world the Son of God, the Saviour of the world.
The name Evaggelismos comes from the Greek word Evaggelia which means “good message”. On this day anyone who is named Evan (Ευάγγελος) Vangelis, or Evangelia (Ευαγγελία), celebrate their name day. As respect for this holy day, no one works. So yes EVERYTHING is closed

Independence Day – Η Μέρα της Ανεξαρτησίας

Greeks celebrate the War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. The “Greek Revolution” which was a successful war of independence waged by the Greek revolutionaries between 1821 and 1830.

After 400 years under Turkish rule, on the 25th of March in 1821, Paleon Patron Germanos (Παλαιών Πατρών Γερμανός), who was a Bishop, raised the flag of the Greek Revolution.
Greeks all over Greece started to fight for their freedom and were able, after many years of bloodshed, to get rid of their conqueror.

Parades would take place throughout Greece, Athens being the Major Parade where military will take place, similar to that on the 28^th October, in Thessaloniki.

Zakynthos usually commemorate this day, actually beginning a day earlier as schools lay wreaths and hold celebrations. Usually the schools will hold their own parade the day before, in which the school children would be dressed in blue and white, the colours of the Greek flag.  Unfortunately, due to the severe circumstances of COVID-19 the parade will not take place this year.

Flags on the balcony.

To celebrate this year, Greeks across the nation have asked that we hand a Greek flag from every balcony and at exactly 12 Noon people play the Greek National Anthem

In the bigger cities the parade of the school children is followed by the parade of the Greek Armed Forces.
All of these events happen every year in front of the eyes of proud parents and government officials that are watching the parade.

Flags on the balcony.

To celebrate this year, Greeks across the nation have asked that we hand a Greek flag from every balcony and at exactly 12 Noon people play the Greek National Anthem. This will also be in recognition to our heroes of the past and of today who are risking their lives at the borders and at our hospitals.

Food and Tradition

The traditional food of Fried Cod and Garlic dip known to us Zakynthians as “bakaliaros” and “aliatha”, is usually served with wild greens and for an extra special touch beetroot. Obviously the table is filled with fresh country bread and plenty of Zakynthian Olive oil. Wine for the day is nothing else to that of a Zakynthian white ‘verde’. As we start to eat first the clink of our glasses ‘kronia Polla’ you hear and ‘ Stin iyia’ to all.

Photos from public domain.