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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 🇺🇦
It must be so good to be able to get together again after all this time. Looks like you all had a great time.
ReplyDeleteOnly half the family were there. We still have covid cases. it was most enjoyable, in the sun, with those that could come
DeleteYou certainly show us all how to party on Poros LA.
ReplyDeleteThe last few years have been very subdued. We do still celebrate but its all very low key now
DeleteAlmost like Old Times! I'm glad you are able to all be together again and celebrate in true Greek fashion :)
ReplyDeleteIt was a nice celebration. All the island was out there in the sun clapping the children.
DeleteGood to see the usual celebrations can be enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a quiet two years!
DeleteYou are a truly Greek New Zealand now for sure! I love how immersed in the culture you are... Oh and those Greek shoes with the pompoms? I had to restrain my amusement when I first saw them, not knowing what they actually were! To see fine, strong men doing that funny march they do while wearing those shoes is a sight to behold and is one of the reasons I love to travel!
ReplyDeleteI must look up the history of those shoes. They are very peculiar with the pompoms. Probably Turkish origin..... Shhhh don't tell anyone I wrote that 😂
DeleteIt looked like a beautiful day to be out and about and celebrate
ReplyDeleteAfter all those long years of covid. Hopefully it will be a long long time before that happens again.
And let’s hope that peace comes back to Europe and that Russian idiot goes away
It was a beautiful sunny day, a 3 day weekend and the island was full of visitors. Mainly Greeks. A lovely day
DeleteI have always thought it a pity that England doesn't have a traditional 'national costume'.
ReplyDeleteThey'll have to make up one with top hat and tails, long victorian dresses or maybe something like the Beefeaters outfit!
DeleteBritain some iconic outfits. Bowler hat and umbrella for a start. Not so long ago as you have told us
I think it's exciting to have different nationalities come into the family, it makes our lines more interesting. Mine already has Scottish, Irish, Filipino, Swedish and English in it
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting to learn about Serbia. I had no idea it was occupied by the Turkish empire. Just knew about the war they had with all their Balkan neighbours.
DeleteTheir culture is very similar.
Your nationalities are a real mix!