Greek Independence Day & the Feast of the Annunciation - The Best from Greece

Parades, military marches and church celebrations take place throughout Greece to mark this dual holiday. It marks Greek independence from the Ottoman Empire and the day of Angel Gabriel's announcement to the Virgin Mary of her conception of Christ.

In 1821, after nearly 400 years of occupation by the Ottoman Empire, the people of Greece claimed victory in the War for Independence. The island Hydra, then a maritime merchant power with a well-maintained fleet, was very active in this war and remembers this today with a re-enactment of a naval battle.

In honour of the Festival of the Annunciation, churches throughout Greece celebrate with pomp and ceremony. Expect colourful religious events wherever the local monastery or church is named Evangelisimos or Evangelistria, such as Panagia Evangelistria on Tinos.