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Hash

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When I saw Tanks on the streets up and down Paleo Faliro and Athens Airport it was a normal way of life....I was too young to realise the implications of what was really going on..
 
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I remember seeing a tank at the Athens airport in 1973. I remember thinking that was odd but was too young to realise the full implications of what was going on in Greece. Definitely a dark time for Greece.
 
I remember seeing a tank at the Athens airport in 1973. I remember thinking that was odd but was too young to realise the full implications of what was going on in Greece. Definitely a dark time for Greece.
Thats so scary...I've heard many stories like this as well. There is a famous movie about the junta called "To Tango too Christougenoun" or "The Christmas Tango"

 
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I remember seeing a tank at the Athens airport in 1973. I remember thinking that was odd but was too young to realise the full implications of what was going on in Greece. Definitely a dark time for Greece.
If I remember the US Army tanks also were cruising up and down Glyfada and Voula where we had a Clubhotel for our subsidiary Club 18/30,Tour Operator for the younger generation and I used to bring LPs and Vinyls from London for the music on rooftop disco.🎵..... Santana,Pink Floyd,Bob Marley, Rolling Stones...Credence Clear Water Revival, Eric Clapton, ....Doors....the list is too long.... Just imagine all this fun and dark times for a country I fell in love with....and that love is Eternal.♥️♥️🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷.... Kalley Mera.
 
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If I remember the US Army tanks also were cruising up and down Glyfada and Voula where we had a Clubhotel for our subsidiary Club 18/30,Tour Operator for the younger generation and I used to bring LPs and Vinyls from London for the music on rooftop disco.🎵..... Santana,Pink Floyd,Bob Marley, Rolling Stones...Credence Clear Water Revival, Eric Clapton, ....Doors....the list is too long.... Just imagine all this fun and dark times for a country I fell in love with....and that love is Eternal.♥️♥️🇬🇷🇬🇷🇬🇷.... Kalley Mera.
You played some good music! A pity the beach bars play pop trash these days...
 
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You played some good music! A pity the beach bars play pop trash these days...
Aw thank you!!♥️♥️....I know what you mean....electro wow wow music as I call it in this computer age,in those days one had to play the lead guitar,the bass and rhythm, drums and percussions....Nice to remember my youth here,Plaka was really cool in those days, unbelievable atmosphere after my duties in Mallorca, Greece was so different and diverse, bouzouki in Syntagma Square and Filoxenia ouzo and olives Mezedez...the Hippie culture at the American Express Building...👌...
 
Aw thank you!!♥️♥️....I know what you mean....electro wow wow music as I call it in this computer age,in those days one had to play the lead guitar,the bass and rhythm, drums and percussions....Nice to remember my youth here,Plaka was really cool in those days, unbelievable atmosphere after my duties in Mallorca, Greece was so different and diverse, bouzouki in Syntagma Square and Filoxenia ouzo and olives Mezedez...the Hippie culture at the American Express Building...👌...
I love bouzouki music, I get so sad when I go to Greece and all they're playing is top 40 pop music from the states
 
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I love bouzouki music, I get so sad when I go to Greece and all they're playing is top 40 pop music from the states
Me too, first time I heard it when Asteri was just opened back in 72/73!!.... They were smashing plates and chucking loads of flowers on the singers....it blew my mind that music like this made people happy and escape from the realities around them....Then I was introduced to Nana Mouskouri and my love for Greek music began... Believe it or not we played a lot of Greek music back in those days... After Flamenco in Spain this was such a pleasant surprise and very new to me!....In Mykonos when we were totally crazy we made an Ekdhromi .... Going to all the Bouzouki bars in one night!!!!.....Can you imagine how much alcohol was consumed and how many plates were smashed?..... Finishing at dawn, took 2 days to recover!😂😂😂😢..... Kalley Mera from Thailand..
 

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Learning about Greek Independence Day

March 25th marks a significant celebration in Greece, but I realize my knowledge on its historical context is quite limited.

From what I understand, this day commemorates the start of the War of Greek Independence in 1821, where Greece sought to end several centuries of Ottoman rule. However, I'm eager to learn more about the intricacies of this period, the key figures involved, and how the struggle for independence unfolded over time.

Additionally, I'd be interested in understanding how this day is celebrated across Greece today and whether any particular traditions are tied to it. For example, are there specific ceremonies, parades, or family traditions that uniquely mark this day in Greek culture?


Greek-flag.jpg

History of the tradition of decorating boats for Christmas

One of the most interesting Greek Christmas traditions to me is the one where people decorate boats. So, I started to research the history. Here's a bit of what I discovered:

The roots of the tradition of decorating boats in Greece for Christmas can be traced back to the country's longstanding ties with the sea. In Ancient Greece, people would often looked to the sea for both sustenance and inspiration, and it was not uncommon for ships to be adorned with religious symbols and decorations.

It also has ties to early Christianity in Greece. According to Greek Orthodox beliefs, Saint Nicolas (aka Santa Claus) was a sailor, and he is the patron saint of sailors. Decorating boats is often seen as a way to honor him.

Over time, this practice became associated with the Christmas season, and the boats began to be decorated specifically for the holiday.

People also make paper boats to decorate. Some call these the "yule boat" or karavaki. One of the most famous examples of this practice is the Yule boat, or karavaki.

The earliest known evidence of decorating boats for Christmas in Greece dates back to the 19th century. During this time, sailors would deck out their boats with lights and tiny boats. These tiny boats were often placed inside the larger boat, symbolizing protection from harm while at sea.

Does anyone have anything to add?

What is Oxi Day?

I am most knowledgeable about the cuisine of Greece. I love to cook, and I learned how to make traditional Greek foods from my family.

Food is what we discussed, talked about, and enjoyed together over the years.

We barely talk about history - so when I happened to learn about Ohi Day in passing by poking around some Greek sites, I was surprised it wasn't talked about in my household growing up.

I want to know more about Ohi Day and why we celebrate. Any advice as to where to start?

Greek Independence Day History

Greek Independence Day is coming up! I thought I would share a bit that I know about the history. Please chime in with corrections or anything to add!
  1. The Spark of Revolution: Greek Independence Day marks the day in 1821 when the Greeks began their revolt against the Ottoman Empire, a state that had controlled Greece for nearly 400 years. This revolt was influenced by the surge of nationalism throughout Europe and inspired by the Enlightenment ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity.
  2. A Poet’s Declaration: The revolution officially began after Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra in Peloponnese, symbolizing the call to arms. However, it was rumored that the war of independence was actually declared a few days earlier by Alexandros Ypsilantis, a Greek national hero, in the Danubian Principalities.
  3. International Support: The Greek fight for independence was not just a local effort; it garnered substantial international support from prominent figures such as Lord Byron from Britain, who notably spent his own money and later died in Greece, contributing to the Greek cause. This international backing was crucial for the morale of the Greek fighters and helped in diplomatic efforts later on.
  4. The Battle of Navarino: A pivotal point in the Greek War of Independence was the Battle of Navarino in 1827, where the combined fleets of Britain, France, and Russia defeated the Ottoman and Egyptian fleets. This naval battle marked a significant turning point that led to the eventual independence of Greece.
  5. Recognition and Autonomy: Greek Independence was formally recognized in 1830 by the Treaty of London. However, full sovereignty and the delineation of the Greek borders were not achieved until later. It allowed the foundation of the modern Greek state, under the governance of King Otto from Bavaria.
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