Numerous countries will be lighting up their landmarks in the colours of the Greek flag this week in honour of the Bicentenary of Greek Independence which began on 25 March, 1821.
The iconic Sydney Opera House, along with Melbourne landmarks, will be lit up in the colours of blue and white this week, while the Greek Centre on Lonsdale Street is already covered in a blue light for the occasion. In Canberra, the streets will be filled with blue and white flags as the strong diaspora in Australia remembers the start of the Greek War of Independence which lead to the creation of the modern Greek state.
The City Hall of San Francisco was lit in the blue and white colours last Friday and will continue to shine this way until 25 March, meanwhile the Greek flag is raised for the occasion. The United Hellenic American Societies in California have joined forces for the celebration with president Tassos Zografos stating that “Greeks and philhellenes from all over the world continue to stand united in favour of freedom and democracy”.
READ MORE: Australia lights up in blue and white from Sydney’s Opera House to Melbourne’s landmarks
Ireland could not help but reciprocate Greece’s decision to light up the Panathinakos Stadium in green for St Patrick’s Day this year and Hadrian’s Gate last year. It, too, will be shining a blue light on its monuments.
Canada’s Greek community lobbied for the illumination of Vancouver City Hall, a building which has been lit up in the past. This year, COVID-19 restrictions have meant the cancellation of a foot parade, however Greek Canadian expats will gather with their cars at the churches of Agios Nikolaos and Agios Dimitrios for a different type of celebration.
Belgium, in the heart of Europe, is paying tribute to the liberation of Greece by dressing up the iconic statuette of Brussels, Manneken Pis (or the ‘little pissing man’) like an Evzone on 25 March. A ceremony will be held in the centre of the Belgian capital to honour Greece and the bravery of its heroes.