Mar 25, 2018
Greece National Day 2018
On March 25th, 1821, Greece began its campaign for independence after nearly four centuries of Ottoman rule. Almost two hundred years later, Greeks around the world celebrate their hard-won freedom on this national holiday.
Today’s Doodle celebrates the day with a painterly depiction of a few national symbols—the blue-and-white striped flag, a crowning laurel wreath, and two pom-pommed tsarouchia: traditional Greek shoes still worn by the Evzones, the prestigious soldiers who comprise the Presidential National Guard.
In observance of the holiday, schools throughout Greece hold flag-day parades, where children dress in traditional outfits and wave Greek flags. The biggest procession of all takes place in Athens, where marching bands, military vehicles, and squadrons from the Hellenic Armed Forces draw thousands of spectators, including the president. The dignified Evzones are also part of the procession, and are likely heard before they are seen—the soles of their tsarouchia are embedded with at least 60 nails apiece, making their approach a thunderous celebration of this important day in history.
Ζήτω η 25η Μαρτίου!
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