Greek Independence Day falls on March 25th. This day commemorates the Greeks’ fight for freedom after being occupied by the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.
Greece came under Ottoman rule in the 15th century. In 1814, a secret organization called Filiki Eteria (Society of Friends) was founded with the aim of liberating Greece. They planned to launch revolts in the Peloponnese, the Danubian Principalities, and Constantinople. The Greek War of Independence eventually lasted for eleven years from 1821 and 1832. the motto of the revolution was “freedom or death”. The Egyptians and the Turks joined the Ottoman Empire side of the battle in 1825 and 1826 respectively, and thanks to their help the Empire gained the upper hand. However, in 1827, Russia, Britain, and France decided to line up with the Greeks. This resulted in the withdrawal of the Egyptian army the following year, as well as the Ottoman acceptance of the Greek autonomy with the Treaty of Adrianople in 1829. In 1830, Greece was finally recognised as an independent state under the London Protocol. Two years later, the final borders of the new state were established, and Prince Otto of Bavaria became the first king of Greece.
In celebration of Greek Independence Day, a school flag parade is held in towns and villages throughout the country, normally children wear a traditional Greek costume and carry Greek flags.
Happy Independence Day to all the Greek users of the Speech Repository! If you want to join the celebration by practising Greek speeches, here’s where you can find them.