By A. Ioannidou
The Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25th, is Greece’s most important national holiday. Why is that? Well, because this marks the birth of modern Greece. In 1821 the Greeks revolted against the Turks and fought for their liberation and independence after having been under the rule of the Ottoman empire since 1453.
Inspired by the Enlightenment, the American and the French revolutions, and the European ideals at the time, prominent Greek intellectuals fueled the sense of Greek national identity and subsequently the desire for freedom and autonomy.
The revolution started on March 25, 1821 in Peloponnese (south of Greece). With the motto: “Freedom or Death” the Greeks declared war against the powerful Ottoman empire. The heroic struggle for independence along with the philhellenic movement (an admiration for the ancient Greek civilization) in Europe inspired many intellectuals and politicians abroad to support the Greek cause and contribute to the War of Independence. The final blow was delivered in 1827 when the British, French, and Russian forces joined the Greek navy against the Ottomans. The battle of Navarino in Peloponnese ended the war by destroying the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet and eventually led to the creation of the first independent Greek state in 1830.
Independence Day is celebrated throughout Greece with military and student parades. Because of its great importance for all Greeks, it is also celebrated among the Greek diaspora, for example, in New York, Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Maryland, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne.
Interestingly, Independence Day coincides with a religious celebration, namely the Annunciation of Virgin Mary and it is customary to eat fish on that day, specifically cod. If you are wondering why, the reason lies in its low cost and long life. Salt cod can be preserved longer than fresh fish and thus reach a greater population (remember there were no trucks and freezers back in the day). So if you find yourself in a Greek community on March 25th, don’t miss out on a treat of cod with garlic sauce!
