Celebrating Greek Independence Day: Traditional Dishes and History

Greek Independence Day, celebrated on March 25, marks Greece’s liberation from the Ottoman Empire after nearly 400 years of rule. This national holiday is deeply rooted in history, tradition, and patriotic pride, with celebrations featuring parades, cultural events, and, of course, traditional Greek food.

Whether you are honoring Greek heritage or simply looking for an excuse to enjoy a delicious Mediterranean feast, this guide explores the history of Greek Independence Day and provides authentic recipes to celebrate, including vegan-friendly options.

The History of Greek Independence Day

Greek Independence Day commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence, which began in 1821 after centuries of Ottoman rule. On March 25, Bishop Germanos of Patras is said to have raised the Greek flag at the Monastery of Agia Lavra, signaling the beginning of the revolution.

The war lasted until 1830, when Greece officially gained independence with the support of foreign allies, including Britain, France, and Russia. Today, March 25 is celebrated as both a national holiday and a religious feast day, coinciding with the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, an important date in the Greek Orthodox Church.

How Greeks Celebrate Today

• Parades and Flag Ceremonies – Military and student parades take place in major cities, with the largest in Athens.
• Traditional Music and Dancing – Folk music and regional dances are performed at cultural events.
• Feasting on Greek Dishes – Families gather to enjoy classic Greek meals, including seafood and plant-based dishes during Lent.

Because Greek Independence Day falls during Orthodox Lent, many traditional dishes are meat-free, making it a great time to enjoy vegan and vegetarian Greek specialties.

Traditional Greek Dishes for Independence Day

Greek Independence Day is known for featuring seafood and plant-based dishes, as many people observe Lenten fasting, which restricts meat and dairy. Below are traditional and vegan-friendly options perfect for celebrating.

1. Bakaliaros Skordalia (Fried Cod with Garlic Dip)

A classic Greek Independence Day dish, bakaliaros skordalia consists of crispy fried cod served with a garlic potato dip. This dish became popular because salted cod was widely available even in inland areas.

How to Make It

• Cod Preparation: Salted cod is soaked overnight, battered, and fried until crispy.
• Garlic Dip (Skordalia): Mashed potatoes or bread are blended with garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice for a creamy, tangy dip.

Vegan Alternative: Replace cod with crispy battered zucchini or eggplant slices for a plant-based version.

2. Greek Island Chickpea Stew (Revithada)

Revithada is a slow-cooked chickpea stew, traditionally prepared in clay pots on Greek islands. It is simple, nourishing, and perfect for Independence Day meals.

How to Make It

• Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil.
• Add chickpeas, bay leaves, lemon juice, and vegetable broth.
• Simmer for a few hours until the chickpeas become soft and creamy.

For convenience, try Paliria’s Greek Island Chickpeas, which are ready to eat and full of authentic Mediterranean flavor.

3. Dolmadakia (Stuffed Grape Leaves with Rice and Herbs)

Stuffed grape leaves, or dolmadakia, are a staple in Greek cuisine and a perfect meat-free dish for Greek Independence Day. These bite-sized rolls are filled with rice, fresh herbs, and lemon juice, making them light yet flavorful.

How to Make It

• Mix cooked rice with dill, mint, parsley, and lemon juice.
• Wrap the mixture in grape leaves and steam until tender.

For a ready-made option, try Paliria’s stuffed grape leaves, which deliver the same traditional flavors with no prep time.

4. Gigantes Plaki (Baked Giant Beans in Tomato Sauce)

Gigantes plaki is a comforting Greek dish made with large white beans baked in a rich tomato sauce. It is a great vegan-friendly option for Independence Day meals.

How to Make It

• Cook giant beans until tender.
• Prepare a sauce with olive oil, garlic, onions, crushed tomatoes, and fresh herbs.
• Combine the beans with the sauce and bake until golden and bubbling.

Try Paliria’s giant beans in tomato sauce for a convenient, ready-to-eat version of this dish.

5. Horta (Boiled Wild Greens with Olive Oil and Lemon)

Horta is a simple yet nutritious Greek dish made from boiled leafy greens, such as dandelion, chicory, or spinach, served with olive oil and lemon juice. It is a classic side dish that pairs well with other Mediterranean meals.

How to Make It

• Boil fresh wild greens or spinach until tender.
• Drain and serve with extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice.

This dish is naturally vegan, full of fiber and antioxidants, and a staple in traditional Greek diets.

6. Loukoumades (Greek Honey Doughnuts)

Loukoumades are golden, crispy Greek doughnuts, often drizzled with honey and cinnamon. These sweet treats date back to ancient Greece, making them a fitting dessert for Greek Independence Day.

How to Make It

• Prepare a yeast-based dough and let it rise.
• Fry small scoops of dough until golden brown.
• Drizzle with honey or a vegan syrup alternative.

For a vegan-friendly version, replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How to Celebrate Greek Independence Day at Home

Even if you are not in Greece, you can celebrate by embracing Greek traditions and flavors.

1. Cook a Greek Feast – Prepare a mix of traditional and plant-based dishes to honor the holiday.
2. Learn About Greek History – Read about the Greek War of Independence or watch documentaries.
3. Listen to Greek Music – Play traditional Greek folk music while enjoying your meal.
4. Host a Greek-Themed Dinner – Invite friends and family for a festive meal with traditional Greek recipes.

A Delicious Way to Honor Greek Independence

Greek Independence Day is a time to celebrate freedom, heritage, and Greek culture, and food plays an essential role in the festivities whether enjoying bakaliaros skordalia, revithada, or a plate of dolmadakia, traditional Greek dishes bring people together and honor the rich history of Greece.

By including a mix of classic recipes and vegan-friendly alternatives, you can create a Greek Independence Day menu that is both authentic and inclusive.