25 March is one of the most important holidays in Greece. This day is linked to the beginning of the Greek Revolution in 1821 and the fight for freedom. Although some actions took place earlier, this date remained the official and symbolic starting point of the uprising. The start of the revolution is placed at the beginning of spring, a season of rebirth and new life, which also came to represent the rebirth of the Greek nation.
On the same day, the Church celebrates the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. For this reason, the holiday is both national and religious.

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Before 1821, Greece was under Ottoman rule. For many years prior to 1821, the Ottomans governed the Greek people. This meant that the Greeks did not have their own independent state, nor did they enjoy political freedom.Over time, more and more people began to seek freedom and self-governance — that is, the right to govern their own land themselves.

In 1814, Nikolaos Skoufas, Emmanuil Xanthos, and Athanasios Tsakalov — Greeks living abroad — founded the Filiki Eteria in Odessa, Russia. It was a secret organization that prepared the Revolution. The organization had to remain secret so that the Ottomans would not discover its plans. Its members were mainly Greeks who desired freedom and believed that it could be achieved through careful planning and cooperation.

Alexandros Ypsilantis was a leader of the Filiki Eteria. He tried to start the revolution, but his first action failed. Even so, he gave courage and hope to the Greeks.

In March 1821, Greeks rose up in many parts of the country. Mani and Kalamata were among the first areas to rebel. The liberation of Kalamata on 23 March showed that the change had begun.

Papaflessas (whose real name was Grigorios Dikaios) was a priest who passionately supported the Revolution. He believed that the Greeks needed to act without delay and in an organized way. His name combines the words papas (“priest”) and floga (“flame”) and suggests a priest who “set hearts on fire” with his words and stirred people to action. His attitude inspired many, despite the dangers involved.

The story of Agia Lavra, a monastery near Kalavryta, is connected with the beginning of the Greek Revolution. Regardless of the historical details, this event gradually acquired a special symbolic meaning. Agia Lavra became a symbol of faith and unity, showing how symbols in history can inspire people, bring them together, and guide them toward a common goal.

Palaion Patron Germanos was a metropolitan bishop of the Church. According to tradition, he blessed the flag of the Revolution at Agia Lavra. His role was mainly symbolic and encouraging, as his aim was to inspire and unite the fighters.

The geography of Greece helped the fighters, and their knowledge of the land helped even more. Without these advantages, the struggle would have been much more difficult. The mountains and narrow paths protected them and gave them an advantage, as they allowed them to launch surprise attacks and escape from the enemy. Perhaps the most well-known mountain associated with the Revolution of 1821, according to tradition, is Mount Helmos, where Agia Lavra is located.

Theodoros Kolokotronis, also known as the Old Man of the Morea (Geros tou Moria), was one of the most important generals of the Greek Revolution. His actions were based on careful planning, patience, and a deep knowledge of the land. He believed that the struggle for freedom is not won hastily, but requires time, persistence, and the right strategy.

Although the Revolution began in the Peloponnese, it did not remain limited to that region. Important uprisings and battles also took place in Central Greece. This shows that the struggle was nationwide.

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Athanasios Diakos, one of the most well-known fighters of the Revolution, took action in Central Greece and was captured during a battle. He became known in history because he refused to renounce his beliefs and sacrificed himself for them. His stance became a symbol of bravery, faith, courage, and inspiration.

The sea played a very important role in the Revolution. Greek ships blocked the enemy’s supply lines and helped the fighters communicate and cooperate with the mainland. The islands were used as bases and control points, showing that the fight at sea required planning and strategy.

Laskarina Bouboulina was a ship captain and a leading figure at sea, showing that women also played an important role in the Revolution. She was born in Constantinople and is closely associated with Spetses, where she became widely known for her naval actions. What set her apart was that she used her own ships in support of the Revolution.

After years of struggle, Greece becomes an independent state in 1830. Today, 25 March is celebrated with parades and public events. Greeks traditionally eat fried cod with garlic sauce (bakaliaros skordalia), often described as the Greek version of fish and chips. This day reminds us of the value of history and freedom.