Annunciation

The Annunciation, known as "Evangelismos" in Greece, is a significant religious holiday celebrated on March 25th each year. It commemorates the biblical event when the Archangel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would conceive and become the mother of Jesus Christ. This day holds dual importance in Greece, as it also coincides with Greek Independence Day, marking the start of the War of Independence against Ottoman rule in 1821. In Greece, the Annunciation is a public holiday, and religious services are held in churches across the country. The Greek Orthodox Church plays a central role in the celebrations, with special liturgies and hymns dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Many Greeks attend church to receive blessings and participate in processions. A traditional custom associated with the Annunciation is the consumption of fried codfish (bakaliaros) with garlic sauce (skordalia), a dish that has become symbolic of the holiday. Families gather to share meals and celebrate both the religious and national significance of the day. The Annunciation is a time of reflection, gratitude, and national pride in Greece, blending spiritual devotion with historical remembrance.