is a double celebration in Greece, a historical and religious one.

Historically it marks the Independence of Greece, the war that began in 1821 was over in 1832 when Greece gained it’s independence, up until then it was under Ottoman control.

Religiously the Greek Orthodox church celebrates the Annunciation, the 25th March is exactly nine months before Christmas.

In celebration of this day towns and villages throughout Greece hold a school flag parade, during which schoolchildren march in traditional Greek costume and carry Greek flags.

The traditional food served on this day is Cod fish with garlic sauce, Bakaliaros skordalia, generally at this time people are fasting for Lent, a time when no animal products are consumed but the church makes an exception for this day.

Parade in Gaios, March 2013