Greek Independence Day occurs on the 25th March every year, a national holiday celebrating the beginning of the war for independence.

History

Greece had been occupied by the Ottomans for 100s of year prior to 25th March 1821, when the Greeks finally began their successful resistance against the repressive regime that disregarded their traditions, culture and religion.

The Battle of Navarino in October 1827–when British, French and Russian fleets eventually overcame an Ottoman fleet–led to the signing of a treaty in 1829, eventually leading to Greece finally forming an independent Greek state.

The Battle of Navarino is also celebrated every year in the seaside town of Nafpaktos near the Corinth Canal.

On Greek Independence Day you’ll find processions of school children carrying the Greek flag, processions by Greek soldiers and in bigger cities like Athens, sometimes a military fly by.

It’s a great atmosphere and many participants buy small Greek flags to wave at the processions–proud parents and grandparents looking for their children in the parades with many people hanging huge Greek flags from their homes.