Greek Independence Day

 

Greek Independence was won from the Ottoman Empire after the Greeks declared independence on March 25, 1821. Hence, the importance of March 25. Actually, my street address in Nicosia is Kolokotroni Street, named after a famous genera Kolokotronis who fought in this war of independence...  (this street name would probably not be found anywhere in the northern part of Nicosia.)

This is a clip of one school marching in the parade... all the schools marched just exactly like this, in their own style of formal dress. All the high schools have a uniform set aside just for this day of the year.The public Greek schools are just as uniformed as the private international schools (like the English School, the Grammar School, and the American Academy). Only the best students from the school are invited to march. Participating in this parade is considered a great honor. It's even more of an honor to be asked to carry the Greek and Cypriot flags, or the school's banner. 

A couple dozen schools marched in this parade. All of them were high schools from the Nicosia district. Aside from the one or two dozen Greek schools and a few private schools, there was one band. The Nicosia football team (Abuel) also made an appearance. I was told that the best marching schools have their way paid to Greece for an even bigger parade.

The main streets were closed down around 10:30; the parade started at 11. People lined the streets three or four deep. The music played through a loudspeaker system. Someone turned up the volume halfway through, which made it impossible to talk or hear anyone speak!

My camera battery died before the American Academy students came past, but they showed with the very best. You'll just have to take my word for it.