The next historical event is almost here: March 25, the Independence Day in Greece. This means a great celebration of the local primary school where we are mainly participating in creating costumes and training the traditional dances together with the children.
The event on the 25th of March is a national and a religious holiday in Greece. It reminds of the revolution against the Turks in the years between 1821 and 1830 and of the Annunciation. The Annunciation means that the angel Gabriel opened the fact to the virgin Mary that she will become the mother of Jesus, the son of God. The birth of Jesus is another very popular event that gets celebrated all over the world: it’s Christmas.On the 25th of March there will be a parade in all the towns of Greece and a really big parade with the army in Athens as the capital of Greece.
Also we as the volunteers are excited about this event- our excitement raises every day when we are preparing some more for this day.
Mostly the costumes of the boys have to be prepared. They are wearing a white fustanella with a red vest, white shirts under it and a red hat.
In their choreography the children are symbolising the fight of the Greeks against the Turks with big swords. As the highlight of the event that extends over a period of two days, the second day after the parade on the first day, there will be “Bakaliaros Skordalia” (Cod fish with garlic sauce) for everyone. The Orthodox Church allows the people to eat Cod fish as an exception for the celebration of the Annunciation. Usually in this time of lent the people are not allowed to eat animals or any products consisting of animals.
Every day we enjoy the different preparations for this great event and are very happy again that we are allowed to take such a big part of this cultural event that will connect us ones more with the Island we are living on.
To see all the pictures go into our gallery!
