Greek Independence Day

March 25 is celebrated as Greek Independence Day each year, commemorating the Greek's freedom from the Ottoman Empire in 1821.  We were told that a parade would start at 12:00 at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, and to get there early so we could get a good spot.  We got a late start, but got to the square a little before 12:00.  There were large pavilions set up for the president and various dignitaries, with numbers on them, but no people present.   So we amused ourselves chasing pigeons and photographing the famous evzones (traditional mountain soldiers in their skirts and pom-pom shoes) in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

By 1:00 there was no sign of any parade, but the security patrol asked everyone to leave the square for the dignitaries' arrival.  So we obligingly all moved to the other side of the street and waited.  By 1:30 there was no sign of any parade, although the main avenue had been shut down for blocks around.  But the kids were getting hungry and thirsty, so we wandered back to Kolonaki, our neighborhood, and stopped at Goody's for a hamburger. 

By that time everyone was tired, and we had no idea if the parade was over or not -- so we just headed home!  But anyway, we got some good shots of Syntagma Square on a beautiful spring day!  Enjoy!

-- Edie Folta, March 28, 2004

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