March 25: A double celebration of Greek Independence Day and the Annunciation

·

March 25 has a special meaning to Greeks around the world as it is a double celebration of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary) and Greek Independence Day. To mark the occasion, we take a look back at the history of this significant day.

The Annunciation of the Theotokos (Ευαγγελισμός της Θεοτόκου):

On March 25 every year, the religious event of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary is celebrated. The day celebrates the moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Panagia and told her she would be the mother of Jesus, the Son of God.

On this day, anyone with the name Evan or Evangelia celebrate their name day.

The Annunciation of the Theotokos.

Greek Independence Day (Η Μέρα της Ανεξαρτησίας):

The Empire of Byzantium ended in 1453 when its capital, Constantinople (now called Istanbul), fell to the Ottomans. Since then, Greece was under Turkish Muslim rule and for the next 400 years, deprived of their human rights.

READ MORE: ‘Fight for Faith and Country’: The revolutionary declaration of Alexandros Ypsilantis.

Over the years, many attempts were made by the Greeks to gain their freedom, but they were unsuccessful. From the 18th century, Greeks living or studying abroad got more organised and dreamt of the liberation of the Greek people and the creation of the New Hellenic State.

Finally, after 400 years under Turkish rule, on March 25, 1821, Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos raised the flag of the Greek Revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra.

Bishop Paleon Patron Germanos raised the flag of the Greek Revolution at the Monastery of Agia Lavra.

From that moment on until 1830, Greeks all over Greece started to fight for their freedom and were able to finally get rid of their conqueror.

How do Greeks celebrate March 25 today?

March 25 is an official public holiday in Greece and Cyprus.

In most Greek cities, it usually includes parades and other festive events. The main events are the military parade in Athens in the morning of March 25th, as well as many school parades all over the country.

It is also a tradition to gather with family and friends and eat fish. Since this day is also a religious celebration, and it always falls in the “fasting period” before the Easter celebration, most people will avoid eating meat. That’s why the traditional menu for March 25 is the so-called “bakaliaros skordalia.” It is fried cod accompanied by a strong garlic sauce. Delicious!

READ MORE: Bakaliaros Skordalia: The traditional dish of Greek Independence Day.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Ethnic media: A necessary platform informing a multicultural Australia

Independent ethnic media like The Greek Herald play a vital role in Australia’s multicultural landscape, delivering culturally specific news.

From Kythera to Katoomba: Preserving the heritage of the Paragon Café

Founded in 1916 by Greek migrant Jack Simos, Katoomba’s Paragon Café is undergoing long-overdue heritage restoration after years of neglect.

Oakleigh Grammar students selected for prestigious Monash Scholars Program

Oakleigh Grammar is celebrating the selection of three Year 10 students into the prestigious Monash Scholars Program.

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia plans revival of historic Mount Gambier church

A historic church in Mount Gambier, South Australia may soon be revived as a place of worship by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.

McDermott Aviation finalist in Australian awards amid Greek wildfire deployment

Australia’s heli-aviation operator, McDermott Aviation, has been announced finalist in two categories at the 2025 Australian Aviation Awards.

You May Also Like

Battle of the Greeks: Stefanos Tsitsipas narrowly comes out on top against Thanasi Kokkinakis

Stefanos Tsitsipas has secured a narrow victory against Greek-Australian Thanasi Kokkinakis in what was an intense 'Battle of the Greeks'.

Greece condemns Muslim prayers at Hagia Sophia

The Greek Foreign Ministry has condemned Turkish officials for reading the Koran inside Hagia Sophia on the anniversary of the Fall of Constantinople.

Greece to take on Germany in United Cup quarter-final blockbuster

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari go up against the 16th-seeded Germans, Alexander Zverev and Anqelique Kerber today in Sydney.