Independence Day (Greek-Style)

The 25th of March is one of the most dreaded days of the year by all the young kids in my family. From the endless pictures to the embarrassing costumes to the boring history lessons, our trauma from the year before doesn't seem to completely dissipate before the next round of torture begins. Much like the 4th of July, this day brings an opportunity for the whole family to get together, watch parades, eat some food, and boast about our national heritage of pride. However, March 25th also bears an excessively overpowering aura of Greek-ness. So buckle up, people: it's Greek Independence Day.

Now, I'm not saying I have no pride in my culture, nor am I saying that the whole day is a flop. In fact, Greek Independence Day is such a significant part of our culture that I decided to explain some of its history in this week's blog (and show some real- yet slightly embarrassing- photos of how we celebrate here in the states).

Greek Independence Day
To give a brief overview of the day's history, Greece revolted against the Ottoman Empire on March 25th, 1821 after 368 years of oppression. While Greece had some success in the early stages of the war, the Turks recaptured almost all of the land by 1827. Things weren't looking good for the Greeks.

But just as surrender seemed imminent, we gained some major allies. France, Great Britain, and Russia all joined forces with Greece in a last attempt to bring freedom to the country. And after the famous Battle of Navarino (well famous, at least, to most Greek people), a treaty was signed declaring Greece an independent nation. Yay!

So every year, in honor of that glorious moment, Greeks living all around the world celebrate with parades, festivals, and flag displays. Yes, everywhere around the world, including right here in Pennsylvania.

I was 4 when I first got to engage in our yearly celebration. My church, as stereotypical as they come, holds an Independence Day festival every year that allows the Greek youth to speak up about their passionate love for the home country. My job was to recite, in Greek, a poem written as a tribute to the holiday. As you can see in the picture below, not only was I thrilled to be speaking in front of my whole church, but I also thoroughly enjoyed wearing my dreaded (and quite itchy) Greek costume.

here I am in my traditional Greek attire (I'm the one standing with the microphone)

my sister and me during the Independence Day festival

my cousins, my sister, and me years later (yes, still being forced into those costumes)

In Greece, however, parades are the major events around the country. Each parade is slightly different, depending on where in Greece it takes place. But the national flag is always displayed at the very beginning, and lamb is always engorged like there's no tomorrow (big surprise, I know). Basically, Greek Independence Day is a time for big dinners, big festivals, and even bigger pride in our country.

my cousin's parade in Kos, Greece

So while I may not be forced to squeeze into my 8th grade costume for pictures this year (bless you college life), I will definitely still be celebrating the holiday this Saturday; all I'll need is some OrderUp food from The Greek and I'll be good to go. And though it may not be as good a celebration as the real deal, I've learned through the years there's no imperfect way to boast your pride on Independence Day.