The sky and the sea, the blue and white stripes of the so iconic Greek flag are a national symbol. This year, on the 25th of March, it will be seen around the world, as Greece and its worldwide diaspora commemorate and celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Greek independence struggle against the Ottoman Empire, which started on the 25th of March, 1821.
Iconic places and buildings will light up blue and white to connect with Greece’s heroic past and celebrate the future. In the USA, San Francisco lights up its City Hall and Los Angeles its famous pylons outside the LAX airport. The Zakim Bridge in Boston will show its blue strings and The Niagara Falls will create a blue connection with Canada, which will also light up a few of its landmarks.
The Sydney Opera House in Australia will also turn Greek for a day and even the famous Brussels statue ‘Manneken Pis’ in Belgium will be dressed in a traditional ‘evzone’ soldier-uniform to honour the Greek people and their struggle for freedom 200 years ago.
Of course, the largest celebrations will be held in Greece itself, with events in every Greek city, not only on the 25th of March but during this whole year. It’s a date to remember!