Independence Day

**Independence Day in Greece**, celebrated on **March 25th**, is one of the most significant national holidays in the country. It commemorates the **start of the Greek War of Independence in 1821**, when Greeks rose up against the **Ottoman Empire** after nearly 400 years of occupation. The day also coincides with the **Annunciation of the Virgin Mary**, a major religious feast in the Greek Orthodox Church, blending national pride with religious observance. The holiday is marked by **parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and cultural events** across Greece. The largest parade takes place in **Athens**, featuring military units, schoolchildren, and marching bands. Many Greeks display the national flag, and traditional foods like **bakaliaros (salted cod)** and **skordalia (garlic dip)** are enjoyed. Independence Day serves as a reminder of Greece's struggle for freedom and its enduring cultural heritage.