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Thursday, 21st of May. A special day for us Zakynthians not only are we celebrating St. Helen and St. Konstantinos but it is also the official day for us to celebrate our independence.
History.
In October 1798, the Turkish fleet occupied Zakynthos. On March 21, 1800, a treaty between Turkey and Russia was signed. This contract established the first independent Greek State of the Seven Islands and was effective for seven years.
From 1815 to 1864 the Ionian Islands were under the protection of England and were called the “United States of the Ionian Islands”. The flag with the Venetian Lion was again in use after 1817, with the addition of the British flag on the upper corner.
In 1809, the British fleet occupied Zakynthos, and Zakynthos then became the titular capital of the Ionian State. At the same time, the rest of Greece was under Turkish occupation. With a base in Zakynthos, the Filiki Etairia (Company of Friends) which promoted the rebellion against the Turks.
In 1830, Greece became independent. Then in 1851, a member of Parliament Ioannis Typaldos Kapelatos suggested the union of the Seven Islands with Greece. The British reacted violently, but the Zakynthians under leadership of Constantine Lamvardos carried on the struggle for the union with Greece. Finally, on May 21 in 1864, the Greek flag was raised on the island.
A parade every year to honour our reunion is held in Zakynthos town where a church service at St. Dionysios church commences it. Then a wreath laying memorial service follows at the Square of “Pesonton” the Fallen heros and in continuance of the celebrations a parade takes place pass the Town Hall. This year due to restrictions the parade will not take place.
The progamme of this year’s ce;ebrations is as follows:-
At 10.30a.m.
An official doxology within the Holy Metropolitan Church will be held by our Archbishop. The solemn speech of the day will be delivered by Mrs. Tsatsou Athena, Director of the 4th Primary School of Zakynthos.
Immediately afterwards, wreaths will be laid at the statute of the
12.00 noon Memorial prayer and laying of wreaths.
A memorial service will be held at the Monument of Giannis Klaudianos, at the old Primary School of Fiolitio, for Ioannis Klaudianos “Fiolitaios” who was hanged by the English patrons, after the events. Wreaths will be laid by the authorities.
19.00p.m Paying Tribute to the fallen.
In the Venetian Castle of the city, in the prison cells, a tribute will be performed. With the setting of the sun, the flag will be lowered.
All rules and regulations will be observed in regards to covid-19 as stipulated by the Hellenic Health Authority.
