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Celebration of Greece’s refusal to yield to the powers of the Axis in 1940.
In October 1940, Benito Mussolini, backed by Germany, demanded to occupy Greece. General Ioannis Metaxas famously responded “Ochi!” – “No!” in Greek.
On March 25, 1821 the Bishop of Patra, Germanos, began the uprising that started the War for Independence. Today it is celebrated with parades by school children in many villages on the island. Independence Day also coincides with the religious Feast of the Annunciation, so it is also a religious festival.
The festivities begin on Good Friday with Η περιφορά του Επιταφίου “perifora tou epitafiou”, a candlelit procession of a shrouded funeral bier that is carried through the city streets to the local church.