On March 25, Niles North celebrated Greek Independence Day; they honored the holiday by playing Greek music in the hallways during passing periods.

Greek Independence Day takes place on March 25 every year, in order to mark Greece’s independence from Turkish rule. Greece had been part of the Ottoman Empire since 1453. The Greek revolt was precipitated on March 25, 1821, when Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution over the Monastery of Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese.

This day is widely celebrated among the large Greek community in Chicago, with festivities including a yearly Greek parade featuring Chicagoland Greek Orthodox Churches (Ladies Philoptochos), Greek schools, Greek federations/organizations, and Greek restaurants. Opportunities during the parade usually consist of watching floats and people marching, as well as Greek dish tastings at restaurants along the historic Halsted street lined with restaurants.

One senior at Niles North reported that their family always gets together for food and coffee to socialize and honor their heritage together every year. On that note, it was especially nice to be able to celebrate in-person this year at Niles North, after the past 2 years being virtual, and missing out on most opportunities, including the yearly Greek Independence day festivities.

The Hellenic Heritage Parade (Greek Independence Day Parade) occurs on May 22, 2022

For further information please visit www.greektownchicago.org