Greek Independence Day 2023: Greek Independence Day is celebrated annually on March 25 since the conclusion of the Greek Revolution in 1821. It is also known as the Celebration of the Greek Revolution and commemorates the Greeks’ fight for independence after more than 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire. Additionally, the Feast of the Annunciation is celebrated on this day.
HISTORY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY
Greek Independence Day, also known as the Celebration of the Greek Revolution, is annually observed on March 25 in Greece, Cyprus, and the Greek diaspora. This festival commemorates the 1821 Greek Revolution and the Feast of the Annunciation.
The Feast of Annunciation is a religious festival commemorating the appearance of the archangel Gabriel to the virgin Mary to announce her pregnancy with the divine child. However, the primary focus of the festivities is the independence of the Greek people, who were colonised by the Ottoman Empire for more than 400 years.
In the 15th century, Greece fell under Ottoman authority in the decades preceding and following the fall of Constantinople. In 1814, a clandestine group named Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends) was established with the intention of liberating Greece. Dates for revolts in the Peloponnese, the Danubian Principalities, and Constantinople were set for the Feast of the Annunciation in 1821, but they had to commence earlier due to their exposure. From 1821 to 1832, the Greek War of Independence endured eleven years.
After the Egyptians and Turks were recruited by the Ottoman Empire in 1825 and 1826, respectively, it appeared that the revolution was all but lost. In 1827, Russia, Britain, and France intervened on the side of the Greeks by dispatching their respective squadrons. Under pressure from a French expeditionary force, the Egyptian army withdrew in 1828. The Russian invasion of the Ottoman Empire in 1829 forced the Ottomans to embrace Greek autonomy.
The London Protocol of February 1830 ultimately recognised Greece as an independent nation after nine long years of conflict. In 1832, the definitive borders of the new state were established, and Prince Otto of Bavaria became the country’s first king.
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HOW TO CELEBRATE DAY OF GREEK INDEPENDENCE
Attend a procession
Local school parades with students dressed in traditional Greek folk costumes and carrying Greek flags are a common occurrence on Greek Independence Day in both Greece and Cyprus. If you happen to be in the Greek region at this time, the parades will be an excellent way to commemorate the occasion and become acquainted with the culture. In American cities such as Chicago and New York, annual parades also take place.
Attend a religious service.
As the date also coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation, many locals attend church services and events. You can observe this day by attending the Feast of Annunciation at your local Orthodox church.
Museum of the Acropolis
If you are in Greece on this particular day, you can rejoice by visiting the Acropolis Museum. This museum houses numerous artefacts of historical significance to the Greek people. To encourage you further, the museum is hosting an event for all individuals within a certain time window on this date.
5 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT GREECE YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW
Their capital is very ancient
Athens is one of the oldest communities in the world and the oldest capital in Europe, dating back over 3,000 years.
There the first Olympic Games were held.
In 1896, the first Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece.
Greece is not its correct moniker
The official name of Greece is the Hellenic Republic, or Hellas.
It ranks among the sunniest cities.
MSN Weather reports that Rhodes, Greece has approximately 300 sunny days annually.
It’s quite modest
Greece is smaller than the U.S. state of Alabama.
WHY GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY IS IMPORTANT
Freedom is a fundamental human freedom.
Every individual has the right to freedom, particularly in their own nation. Greek Independence Day commemorates the liberation struggle of the Greek people.
It represents a new beginning.
The conclusion of the Greek Revolution ushered in a new era for the Greek people, enabling them to write their own histories and become their own nation. It also represents a new religious beginning in conjunction with the Feast of Annunciation.
It signifies the start of independence
This day is particularly significant as it marks the commencement of Greece’s independence. This is a huge step forward for any nation, as the natives can now make their own decisions and adhere to their own government.4
GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | March 25 | Saturday |
| 2024 | March 25 | Monday |
| 2025 | March 25 | Tuesday |
| 2026 | March 25 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | March 25 | Thursday |
