With Greece's Independence Day approaching on March 25, the Greeks will commemorate their 190^th Day of Independence from over 400 years of Turkish and Ottoman Empire rule. In 1821, they became the first country to separate from the traditional European monarchy. The Greek Revolution began with the fall of the Ottoman Empire as Greece came under their control. After years of revolts and two civil wars, France, the United Kingdom and Russia intervened and conquered the Ottoman Empire ultimately breaking free of their rule.

Millions of Greek Americans observe Independence day with parades and feasts across the country as a day to celebrate their Greek heritage and the rise one of the Mediterranean's most beautiful countries.

Festivities in Greece

Greeks are proud of their background and heritage and often use performances to remember and express their country's rich artistic culture. On March 25^th, many presentations of folk dancing takes place across the country. Food plays a big part in the festivities, as well. Barbecue meats, lemonade and spanikopita (spinach pie) are prepared and served for family gatherings.

Religion also plays a major part during the holiday. Annunciation Day is a religious affiliation that coincides with Independence Day. Athens holds a parade that fills the streets with anti-war rallies. Worshipers flock to churches to observe what occurred on the Greek Orthodox Calendar in late March, the birth of Mary's divine child that was to be born in Greece.

Greek American Celebrations

This year in New York City, 5^th Ave. will be filled with 100,000 participants and onlookers for the 190^th Greece Independence Day parade. Over 50 floats and bands commemorate the ending of 400 years of the Ottoman Empire rule as it will be a wonderful place to experience the culture and pride of the Greek people.

The 15^th Annual Greek and American Flag Raising will occur at 1 p.m. as well as the Annual Greek Youth Dance Exhibition at the Cretan Association in Astoria, New York, on Saturday, March 26, at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to New York City's parade, Boston holds a great deal of Greek Americans. This year on April 10^th beginning at 1 p.m., Boston will hold their annual parade celebrating with Greece's colors spreading throughout the city and Greek soldiers marching through. 

by Katelyn Dato, Contributing Author