Greek Independence Day

The Greek Independence Day on the 25th of March is a reminder of the Greek War of Independence or the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Empire, and celebrated all over Greece.

This occurrence was a war of independence by the Greek revolutionaries against the Turkey annexation, between 1821 and 1832 with the help of Russia, the United Kingdom, France, and other European countries. Greece celebrates the liberation day on the 25th of March, which is a national day, and reminds its freedom from the Ottoman rulership.

From 1453 most of Greece was dominated by the Ottoman empire. In 1814 a secret organization of Greek revolutionaries was founded with the aim of liberating Greece.

After many cruel battles and years of negotiation, Greece was finally  recognized as an independent nation in May 1832. During the War for Independence in 1822, Chios was in a healthy situation, since it was yet untouched by its effects.

But some rebels from Samos under the lead of Lykourgos Logothetis landed on Chios and with a few Chians besieged the Turkish fleet anchoring in Chios. After that the Chians needed to face the wrath of the Turkish army which for 15 days slaughtered, burned, raped and sold the survivors into slavery.

This act, also known as The Massacre of Chios, shocked the world and was depicted in the painting "The Slaughter of Chios" by Delacroix. In the meantime Constantine Kanaris destroyed the Turkish fleet in the harbor of Chios.

Another habit that originates from this time is the so called Rocket War, which was a simulated war between the habitants of Chios in order to celebrate Easter. If you want to learn more about the specific history of Chios, please read about The Struggle for Chios.

On November 11th 1912 Chios officially became part of Greece. And every 25th of March the children from the City of Chios walk in a procession to the "Statue of the Unknown Sailor" and offer it flowers. There are, of course, also big parades in the city center during this day of celebration.