Greek Independence Day
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- 1821Greek War of Independence begins — Bishop Germanos raises flag at Agia Lavra
- 1827Battle of Navarino — Britain, France and Russia destroy Ottoman fleet
- 1830London Protocol — Greek independence internationally recognised
Why Greece celebrates 25 March
On 25 March 1821, the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule traditionally began when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. The date — also the Feast of the Annunciation in the Orthodox calendar — was chosen as the symbolic starting point of the uprising that would eventually lead to Greek independence.
Greece had been under Ottoman rule since the fall of Constantinople in 1453 — nearly 400 years. The independence struggle drew support from philhellenes across Europe, including the poet Lord Byron who died in Greece fighting for the cause. The successful conclusion of the war in 1830 inspired independence movements across the world.
Independence Day is marked with a large military parade in Athens along Vassilissis Sofias avenue, attended by the President and Prime Minister. Student parades take place in cities, towns and villages across the country. The day coincides with the Orthodox Feast of the Annunciation, giving it both a patriotic and religious character.
- 202625 March 2026 · Wednesday
- 202725 March 2027 · Thursday
- 202825 March 2028 · Saturday
The Greek flag has nine equal horizontal stripes of blue and white, with a white cross on a blue canton in the upper left corner. The nine stripes are said to represent the nine syllables of the phrase "Eleftheria i Thanatos" — Freedom or Death — the motto of the independence struggle. Blue represents the sea and sky; white symbolises the purity of the independence struggle.
Greek cuisine is one of the foundations of Mediterranean cooking — olive oil, fresh vegetables, seafood, lamb and feta are its building blocks. A meal in Greece is always a social event around a shared table.
What to eat
SouvlakiSkewered grilled pork or chicken in pitta with tomato, onion and tzatziki — the definitive Greek street food.
SpanakopitaFlaky filo pastry filled with spinach, feta and egg — eaten at bakeries and family tables across Greece.
MoussakaLayered aubergine, potato, spiced minced beef and béchamel — Greece's most internationally known dish.
Horiatiki saladGreek village salad of tomato, cucumber, onion, olives and a thick slab of feta — dressed only with olive oil.
LoukoumadesHoney-soaked deep-fried dough balls with cinnamon and sesame — sold at street stalls during celebrations.
BaklavaLayers of filo pastry with walnuts and pistachios soaked in honey syrup — a shared Ottoman and Greek sweet.What to drink
OuzoAnise-flavoured spirit — drunk with ice and water at seaside tavernas alongside seafood mezze.
RetsinaWhite wine flavoured with pine resin — unique to Greece and among the world's most ancient wine styles.
FrappeFoamy instant iced coffee shaken with water and milk — invented in Thessaloniki in 1957 and beloved across Greece.Greece culture
Greece's cultural contribution to the world — democracy, philosophy, theatre, the Olympic Games and mathematics — is unparalleled. Modern Greek culture combines this ancient inheritance with a Mediterranean love of life, music and hospitality.
AcropolisThe Parthenon and the Acropolis of Athens — the most recognisable ancient monument in the world, central to Greek identity.
Rebetiko musicUNESCO-listed Greek urban blues — born in the port cities of the early 20th century, now a national treasure.
Easter celebrationsGreek Orthodox Easter is the most important celebration of the year — midnight liturgies, fireworks and lamb on the spit.
Student paradesSchool children in traditional dress parade through every Greek city and village on 25 March.