'Greece Independence Day', March 25

Simon O'Donovan
Mar 23
2 min read

🇬🇷 Greece Independence Day – March 25

Greece Independence Day marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, when the Greek people rose against Ottoman rule after nearly 400 years. It’s a day of national pride, celebrated with parades, traditional music, and cultural events across Greece and in Greek communities worldwide. The date also coincides with the Feast of the Annunciation in the Greek Orthodox Church, giving the day both historical and religious significance. Expect flags flying high, school marches, and a strong sense of heritage and identity.

🎶 CST Songs of the Day

Today’s musical picks capture two very different but equally iconic sides of Greek culture:

“Zorba’s Dance” – Mikis Theodorakis
Instantly recognisable, this instrumental from Zorba the Greek builds from a slow, hypnotic rhythm into an exhilarating burst of energy. It’s become a global symbol of Greek spirit—joyful, dramatic, and impossible not to associate with seaside tavernas and spontaneous dancing.
“Forever and Ever” – Demis Roussos
A smooth, romantic classic that topped the UK charts in the 1970s, this track showcases Roussos’ distinctive voice and international appeal. It represents the softer, melodic side of Greek music that resonated far beyond its borders.

Together, these songs reflect Greece’s cultural range—from traditional, cinematic flair to international pop success—perfectly complementing a day that celebrates freedom, identity, and enduring influence.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kG12C1oX5Eo&list=RDkG12C1oX5Eo&start_radio=1

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiLkA_jWzn4&list=RDKiLkA_jWzn4&start_radio=1

Name some Greek foods

Who enjoys Greek food? What are members' favourites?

Here are some examples:

Greek salad, with feta cheese & olives

Tzatzkiki & Taramosalata

Dolmades

Calamari

Moussaka

Souvlaki

Stifado

Baklava

Pita bread

Ouzo

Retsina

Who has holidayed in Greece? What are members' favourite places and standout memories?

	Name the Greek king of gods?
	Name this flying horse?
	Name this war horse?
	Who, in Greek mythology, flew too close to the sun?
	Name the Greek god of the sea?
	Which character in Greek mythology was invulnerable, except for his heel?
	Which sculptures do we need to give back to Greece?
	Name the 1964 movie & what was he chasing?
	Name the 1964 movie & who did it star?
	Name the 1981 movie & who starred in it?
	Name the 1989 movie & who starred in it?
	Name the 2008 movie & which band provided the music for it?
	Name the Greek musician who wrote the music for the 1981 movie 'Chariots Of Fire'?
	Name this Greek singer who had a 1984 hit with 'Only Love'?
	Name this cliff top resort & island?
	On which Greek island would you find these windmills?
	Name some other Greek islands?
	Which games started in Greece in 1896?
	Name this Greek 'Mountain Of The Gods'?
	Name this Athens temple?
	Name the citadel or rocky outcrop on which it is built?