On the 25th of March even two events are celebrated in Greece: namely the Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary by the archangel Gabriel.
Therefore, the 2nd Primary School of Vrontados was organizing a theatrical play in Π.Ε.Κ.Ε.Β. – the community center of the village on the 24th of March.
Some days before, all classes already prepared themselves for the festiveness. The children were painting topic-related pictures, read and spoke about the historical and religious background, had rehearsals for their performance on Tuesday and watched informative movies about both happenings.
One day before the 25th, all grades were visiting with their teachers and parents the local feast hall. Of course, also we volunteers were invited and got the opportunity to spend one very entertaining hour while watching the traditional theater play. Greek songs performed by the 5th class, scenes that showed the conflicts between Greeks and Turks acted by the 6th class, a suiting Presentation with pictures and a speech by the headmaster were shown to us and gave us the feeling to get a deeper look on Greek history, mentality and traditions. Costumes, a dizzy light and fitting music were emphasizing the solemnly atmosphere. We got to know another interesting side of Greek culture.
After the performance we went together with the older children to the statue of Afanis Naftis. Thereby, the best students had the honor to carry the Greek flag and the wreaths while heading our group. The high school and two Primary Schools of Vrontados met in front of the Aegean Sea laid the green garland to the bottom of the statue and spend some quite minutes at this very special place in memory of that day that is known as the end of the war between Greeks and Turks in 1922.
It was a very educative experience for us volunteers which taught us a lot about Greek history, traditions and native’s identification with their culture and their country.
To see all pictures go into our gallery!
