Hydra's Greek Independence Day

Proud, Patriotic & Happy in Every Way

GID, 25 March 2023, was a glorious day on Hydra. The beautiful weather and none of the travel restrictions and Covid worries seemed to have brought many more people out than seen over the last three years. So there was a really joyful patriotic atmosphere filled with pride and happiness.

On Friday, wreaths were laid at various monuments, the children held practice recitals at their schools with audiences limited to parents, and in the late afternoon, the leading yachts opening season boat race arrived to fill the harbour with their sails and fluttering flags.

Saturday morning in the town was buzzing with happy chatter with groups of children adjusting their uniforms and traditional costume before marching to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary on Hydra harbour.

First, there was the mass and church offering, then politicians, heads of the island's services and the priests joined the children in the courtyard. The rousing speech describing the War of Independence, given by a guest speaker was well received and applauded.

After blessings from the church, the band played before everyone observed a minute of silence to remember the fallen. Wreaths were laid against one of the monuments by each of the public services. And this was followed by readings from the top balcony by Hydra's children.

At the end of the service, everyone moved to the harbour to watch the student's parade. Even the youngest children are included. The nursery infants in their eye-catching costumes lead the way followed by older school children, students from Hydra's merchant marine college and finally Hydra's band who play throughout brilliantly.