Independence Day

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This morning the winds were strong and the seas were rough (so they told me) and my ferry to Hydra was canceled. Tomorrow I will try again. In the meanwhile I would have substituted the museums I meant to see tomorrow but everything was closed for Greek Independence Day. So in an attempt to salvage the day, and with few other options, I decided to see the Independence Day parade. Tanks and soldiers and airplanes, oh my!

Greek's nationalism comes not only from rightful pride in their impressive national heritage but also from their difficult history of subjugation by other nations. Everyone has wanted to claim Greece: the Romans, the Venetians, the Russians, and the Ottoman Turks, from whom Greece declared its independence in 1822. However, civil war soon broke out, and in an effort to bring peace - and assert some control of their own - the major European powers imposed a monarchy on Greece, first through Prince Otto of Bavaria, and later through Prince William of Denmark. Since WWII the country has endured a major civil war, a military junta and the far-reaching policies of political parties on both the left and right. Currently, as a member of the EU, Greece enjoys greater stability and more peaceful relations with its neighbors, although I have met several people with particularly nasty commentary on the Turks and Albanians, among others. Intense and often tragic as its history has been, this mixing of cultures and shaped Greece into the multifaceted country it is today, and makes for a fascinating place to visit.

Oddly enough, many Greeks are uncertain as to which independence is being celebrated today. Wave the flag and pass the ouzo!

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Photos

Independence Day Parade
Tanks in the streets of Athens for the Independence Day Parade

Independence Day Parade II
Soldiers in the Independence Day Parade

Independence Day Parade III
Soldiers in the Independence Day Parade

Independence Day Parade IV
Little Greek boy in traditional dress

Comments

[Laura]

Traditional Dress
I love the traditional sneakers that just make the outfit! It's been great reading about your travels. Miss you!