Although the
Fourth of July may feel like a very American celebration, it represents a very worldly ideal, independence. All around the world, every month of the year, countries celebrate their sovereignty with flag-raising, parades, fireworks, and much more.
The process of gaining independence, and its celebration, is broadly defined. In various countries, such as the United States, Independence Day commemorates independent statehood gained over a former colonial power, such as Great Britain. In other states, such as Slovenia, Independence Day acknowledges a state’s break from being part of another nation or state, such as Yugoslavia. In rarer cases, Independence Day assumes the end of a military occupation, war, or another state’s control of a country’s foreign affairs.
Independence Day celebrations vary greatly in their celebrations, festivities, and traditions. In our
Five for Friday series, we explore some cool, quirky, and unusual independence day celebrations worldwide.
1. Greece
March 25
Separation of church and state? Not on Greek Independence Day! Marking the start of the
Greek War of Independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, March 25 is a double holiday, also celebrating the religious
Feast of the Annunciation. An unusually festive day, it is celebrated with festivals and parades while dressed in traditional Greek costumes, waving the customary white and blue of the Greek nation.
Traditional Greek changing of the guard in front of parliament, Athens.
Photo courtesy of Paul Freifeld, MyShot.
Continue reading “Five for Friday: Notable Independence Day Celebrations”
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