Greek and Serbian Bros

 

Our family includes various nationalities and now we have welcomed a NZ-Serbian branch.  Their history is similar to that of Greece.  Serbia was over-run by the Ottoman Turks and were ruled by them for over 300.   Greece too was under their rule for 400 years. 

 Greece celebrates their independence on 25th March with all the usual stuff. The main events took place in central Athens. There was a big parade with a military band,  soldiers in traditional uniform, a speech from the President of the Republic, a show of tanks and weapons and  4 rafale fighter jets from the french aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle joined in the flyover of Greek jets and helicopters.  Grand stuff.

On this day we  remember our Serbian bros who also fought for their freedom from Turkish rule 

Greece and Serbia have close ties both culturally and historically and both follow the Orthodox faith.  Judging from what we have seen of our Serbian relations their outlook on life is very similar.  Like the greeks they love to socialise and overdo the hospitality.  No-one is ever allowed to leave our houses hungry and in catering for six there is enough for twenty 'just in case someone else pops in'.

On Poros we were finally able to watch our children in the parade, listen to speeches, view the wreath laying and enjoy a meeting up of family and friends for some celebratory drinks

School children gather at the War Memorial 

The parade begins with the greek flag held high and many of the children in traditional costume

Grandaughter Poppi leads her class

The Municipal band.  One of the extended family plays the drum

Nikos, dressed in the baggy trews worn by Poros men.  His shoes aren't quite traditional.  I don't think they wore sneakers back then.  The ceremonial shoes are great clogs with pompoms on the front, called tsarouchi

The show ended with greek dancing.  One of the grandaughters was in the line up, performing local dances to island music.  

Peace for our friends and neighbours in Ukraine 🇺🇦