There are several cities in Greece that commemorate the 25th March National Anniversary in a unique way, not only with church services, wreath deposits and parades, but with special ceremonies and events that have their roots in old times.
In Elatochori of Pieria Perfecture, groups of small children and teenagers march across the village’s roads with sheep bells hanging from their necks and holding fire torches in their hands on the 14th of March.
This custom’s origins date back to Turkish rule, when people would light big fires and jump over them or dance with traditional music in order to welcome spring, explained Nikolaos Glaras, president of the local community of Elatochori.
A similar custom is part of Epirus’s traditions on the 24th of March, a day before the Evangelismos Orthodox celebration. Children run around the land knocking pans and other kitchenware. The noise is supposed to drive snakes away, that burst forth from their hibernation.
In Skiathos, an island of Sporades, the customs “Eothinon” and “Torch” were revived during the last years. “EOTHINON” means the celebratory waking of the island – on the 25th of March– at 5 o’ clock in the morning. The nation’s liberation is celebrated through this custom. The “Torch” takes place in the evening at 8 o’clock on the day of March 25, when children and adults run in the streets with torches and candles. The custom stems from the torch during the Turkish occupation; they had combined the Resurrection of Christ with the resurrection of the nation, namely the liberation of the nation by the Turks. The Holy Light of the Resurrection is analogous to the light of Liberty in the historical custom.
The History of Bakaliaros (Cod fish)
The most well-known custom for the 25th March National Anniversary is the traditional dish with cod and skordalia (garlic sauce). During the Great Lent, the Church allowed Christians to eat fish only two times: at Evangelismos celebration and on Palm Sunday.
The whole cod history finds its roots in the Viking times, when it was first shown as a commercial product (800 A.D.)
The Basques played an important role in the cod trade, and were the first to salt it in the Middle Ages. It arrived in Greece during the 15th century and became part of the Orthodox fastening dishes.
Except for the islands that always had fresh fish, salted cod became very popular in the rest of Greece as it was cheap and easy to cook. Britain traditionally exported cod to Greece, which they exchanged for raisins.
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