Tight security measures will be in place for this year’s celebration of Greek Independence Day on Tuesday, March 25, with about 3,000 police officers to be deployed in downtown Athens.
Syntagma Square will be blocked, while riot police will control access to the streets on which the annual military parade will be held. The military parade will pass in front of the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Syntagma Square and will continue along Panepistimiou Street to Omonia Square. Police say only those with invitation or accreditation will be able to attend the parade.
The cost of this year’s parade is expected to be reduced, due to the financial crisis. The number of aircrafts and military vehicles that will take part will be limited.
March 25 marks the day in 1821 when the Greek people decided to revolt against the Ottoman Empire. After several years and many battles, they eventually gained their independence and founded the sovereign Greek state. Every year on March 25, banks, public services, schools and many businesses remain closed.
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