For Greeks, the most significant holiday of the year is the Independence Day of Greece. It is celebrated at the end of March, namely on the 25th. Like most countries of the Balkan Peninsula, Greece was under the yoke of the Ottoman Empire for more than four centuries. In 1821, the people mobilized all their forces and embarked on the path of a national liberation struggle, the outcome of which was the proclamation of independence. This happened on March 25 of the same year. Unlike the results of the uprisings of 1771-1781, the Greeks were finally able to defeat the Turkish invaders.
The start of the national struggle and the long-awaited Greek Independence Day
As strange as it may sound, the idea of a liberation struggle was first born among the Greeks living in Ukraine. There, especially in the port cities (Odessa, Kherson, Taganrog, etc.), a large Greek community was formed in the second half of the 18th century. It consisted of families who fled from Turkish oppression. In 1814, among the emigrants, the national liberation organization “Friendly Society” began to form. Its leaders sent delegates to all the major cities of Greece. Among the inspirers were Russian officers - Greeks by origin - brothers Alexander and Dimitros Ypsilanti. They wereclose to the court of the Russian emperor. At the beginning of the first spring month of 1821, the brothers led uprisings in Moldova, Morea and other Balkan countries. In the last ten days of the month, it was planned to carry out the most large-scale action - an armed uprising. Soon the day of the beginning was appointed - March 25th. As a result of this, the Greek people were able to overcome the enemy invaders. Raging for four centuries in Greece, Turkish soldiers were forced to leave the country. Today this day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Greece. It is the undisputed leader among the main holidays for modern Greeks, who, thanks to this, have been living in a free country for the last 200 years. The Greeks, as you know, are one of the most freedom-loving peoples in all of Europe, and being under someone's yoke is simply tantamount to death. That is why they cherish their freedom so much, and March 21 is the National Revival Day of Greece for them.
Orthodox holidays in Greece
As already noted, in this Christian country, along with secular holidays, church holidays are also included. In Orthodox Greece, oddly enough, Christmas is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar - from December 24 to December 25. But on January 6, the Epiphany and Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River are celebrated here. This is a very beautiful ritual. After the liturgy, the priest throws the cross into the depths of the sea. Following her, all willing men dive into the cold January waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The one who manages to get the cross becomes the hero of this holiday. In fact, holidays in Greece are always celebrated on a grand scale. Folk festivals are organized, a sea of wine is pouring, and tables are bursting with refreshments. The Greeks, like no other nation, love to have fun, dance, sing, etc. Even such church holidays as the beginning of Great Lent and the Annunciation are held on a grand scale. It is clear that on the day of Easter (the end of Lent), the people sing and rejoice. Among the church holidays in Greece, there is one more, which, perhaps, is celebrated only in this country - this is May 21 - the day of Saints Constantine and Helena. This day is notable for the mass religious procession. The name of Constantine is also associated with the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos (Agia Skepi) - the day when the emperor was miraculously saved from the Muslim siege.
Features of the celebration
Each of these holidays has its own special rituals. On these days, housewives prepare special dishes. Especially important is the preparation of festive bread, in which, depending on the holiday, a coin or something else is hidden. In addition, the Greeks like to celebrate holidays in noisy companies. Sit, eat delicious dishes prepared by skilled housewives, drink local drinks, have casual conversations about this and that, sing songs, etc. National dances, especially sirtaki, are the culminating moment of any Greek holiday. Putting their hands on each other's shoulders, the Greeks begin their legendary dance.
National holidays in Greece
As in most countries of the world, the most favorite holiday is still the New Year. He, as inall European countries, is celebrated on the night of January 1. May Day in Greece is the Day of Flowers and Labor. For most Greeks, the first day of May is a mandatory trip to nature, where girls and women weave wreaths of wild flowers, then they are kept until August 29 (St. John's Day), and then burned at the stake.
And women are not forgotten
In the Greek Balkans there is a holiday dedicated to the weaker sex - Ginaikratia. It is also celebrated on the 8th, but not March, but January. Women's festivals are held on this day. Husbands take care of all household chores and free their halves from them for the day, who put themselves in order and go to a cafe or restaurant.
The national holidays of Greece also include: May 19 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide, Ohi Day - August 28 and November 17 - the Polytechnic holiday. Well, the most important holiday, as already noted, is the Independence Day of Greece. Of course, this is not a complete list of holidays that are celebrated in this country. However, the ones we have already named are the most massive.
The most important Greek holiday
Of course, you guessed what we're talking about. Of course, it's Greek Independence Day. Despite the fact that it does not belong to the church, on this day in all the churches of the country morning liturgy is held in the morning, bells ring, etc. After that, there is a military parade on the streets of large cities, peaceful demonstrations of workers. To the memorials of those who died in the daysuprising laid flowers and wreaths.
