For the Greeks, the most significant holiday of the year is Greek Independence Day. It is celebrated at the end of March, namely 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 the national liberation struggle, the outcome of which was the declaration 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 beginning of the national struggle and the long-awaited Independence Day of Greece
Strange as it may sound, the idea of the liberation struggle first arose among the Greeks living in Ukraine. There, especially in port cities (Odessa, Kherson, Taganrog, etc.) in the second half of the 18th century a large Greek community was formed. It consisted of families fleeing from Turkish oppression. In 1814, the friendly society national liberation organization began to form among emigrants. Its leaders sent delegates to all major cities of Greece. Among the inspirers were Russian officers - Greeks of origin - brothers Alexander and Dimitros Ipsilanti. They were brought close to the court of the Russian emperor. At the beginning of the first spring month of 1821, the brothers led the uprisings in Moldova, the Sea and other Balkan countries. In the last decade of the month it was planned to carry out the most large-scale action - an armed uprising. Soon, a start day was appointed - March 25. As a result, the Greek people were able to defeat the enemy invaders. Outrageous for four centuries in the territory of Greece, Turkish soldiers were forced to leave the country. Today this day is celebrated as the Independence Day of Greece. He is the undisputed leader among the main holidays for modern Greeks who, thanks to this, have lived 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 else’s yoke is simply tantamount to death. That is why they value their freedom so much, and March 21 is for them the Day of the National Revival of Greece.
Orthodox holidays in Greece
As already noted, in this Christian country, along with secular ones, church holidays are also included in state holidays. In Orthodox Greece, oddly enough, Christmas is celebrated according to the Catholic calendar - from December 24 to December 25. But on January 6, Epiphany and the Baptism of Jesus are celebrated here in the Jordan River. This is a very beautiful ritual. After the liturgy, the priest throws a cross into the depths of the sea. Following her, all interested 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, the Greek holidays are always celebrated on a large scale. Festivities are organized, a sea of wine is pouring, and tables from treats break. 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 Easter Day (the end of Great Lent), people sing and rejoice. Among the church holidays in Greece, there is another, 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 Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Agia Skepi) is also associated with the name of Konstantin - the day when the emperor was miraculously saved from the siege of Muslims.
Celebration Features
Each of these holidays has its own special rituals. These days the housewives cook special dishes. Especially important is the preparation of festive bread, in which, depending on the holiday, they hide a coin or something else. In addition, the Greeks love to celebrate holidays in noisy companies. Sitting, eating delicious dishes prepared by skilled housewives, drinking drinks of local origin, conducting informal conversations about this and that, singing songs, etc. The culmination of any Greek holiday is national dances, especially sirtaki. With their hands on each other's shoulders, the Greeks begin their legendary dance.
National Holidays of Greece
Like most countries in the world, the New Year is still the most beloved holiday. It, as in all 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 must in nature, where girls and women weave wreaths of wildflowers, then they are stored 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, not only in March, but in January. On this day, women's festivals are held. Husbands take on all the household chores and release their halves from them for a day, who put themselves in order and go to a cafe or restaurant.
Greek national holidays also include: May 19 - Day of Remembrance of the Victims of the Genocide, Okha Day - August 28 and November 17 - Polytechnic Day. 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, those that we have already named are the most massive.
