On October 28th Greece celebrates one of its two national holidays. It commemorates the refusal of the then Prime Minister, Governor Ioannis Metaxas to allow the Italian Army to pass through Greece. It was October 28, 1940.
We also celebrate Virgin Mary as the protectress of the Army and our nation. My late grandfather used to tell me stories about soldiers seeing Virgin Mary ahead of them , guiding them into the battle. It is no doubt a continuation of the belief of the Greeks in the protection of the Gods: Remember Odysseus and goddess Athena?
Two days earlier, we celebrate a religious holiday, St. Demetrius (280-305 A.D.) He is the patron saint of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. Thessaloniki was liberated from the Turkish occupation on the 26th of October 1912, the day of its patron Saint.
There are school celebrations, with songs, poems and a parade.However as with everything that is traditional and meaningful, there are voices against these celebrations.
Especially this year there was an intense campaign against marching.
Our D was part of the parade this year. She had on a traditional costume and she proudly walked in the main street with her classmates. J put on his traditional costume, too.
As we went into town I was mesmerised by two cross stitching magazines. They are so expensive, double the printed price. (sigh).
We then came home, had lunch and watched 13 turning 30. Then I began packing our summer clothes and bringing out the winter ones.
A nice week end.
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