The 25th of March is a national holiday in Greece.
After the Byzantine Empire fell to the Turks in 1453 and remained under their rule for almost 400 years, on the 25th of March 1821 the bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese to start another revolution to finally gain independence from the Turks. Because of this, this day marks the beginning of the War of Independence.
In every city, even town there is a parade to celebrate this day, we watched the one in Chios-City. All of its inhabitants seemed to be out for the first parade of the year.
The children from the schools and kindergarden, as well as sports, culture and dance clubs and soldiers, even some politicians marched in this parade.
In addition also some marched at the parade in order to demonstrate.
After the parade was over, everyone went to the cafes, who usually on this weekend start putting chairs outside, as this weekend also symbolizes the end of the winter. It was a great experience not only to attend this cultural event and to learn about the background of the demonstration, but also nice to see the central square filled with people again.
To see all pictures go into our gallery!
