The long-awaited Bicentennial of the Greek War of Independence is approaching and with the celebration of many compatriots around the world, among them the Latin American Communities.
This is perhaps one of the most important dates of the year in Greece, it commemorates two hundred years of liberation of the Greek people under the Ottoman Empire, a story of struggle, courage, determination, bravery, fervor and heroism, almost as epic as the stories. of Ancient Greece.
Honoring the celebration, some of the most represented places in the world will be dressed in the colors of the Greek flag. Among them the White House, the Sydney Theater and even the Niagara Falls revealing the importance of Greek culture in the world.
The Celebration of Independence in Latin America
There are a large number of communities throughout Latin America, united by the cultural and historical bond of the country of their ancestors, despite their different nationalities, they all feel like a great family full of kindness and hospitality.
However, with the current situation, most of the countries are in confinement and with strong restrictions, making it impossible to carry out face-to-face celebrations.
Latin American Communities and their Celebrations
Proud of their Greek heritage, the communities hold celebrations on important dates, including the country’s independence.
Greek Orthodox Community of Venezuela
Venezuela has a large presence of Greeks. The Greek Orthodox community of Venezuela founded in 1960 by a group of Greek residents is one of the largest in Latin America.
Naturally this community shares the customs and traditions of Greece, Greek Reporter spoke with Cristo Mitsikostas, secretary of the community, he mentioned that «previously the celebrations were held in Valencia where there was a good representation of Greeks, with a community and church, but in recent years times are held in Caracas »
The celebration of independence is generally commemorated with a great celebration, a Floral Offering is made in front of the statue of the Liberator in the Plaza Bolívar of the city of Caracas, later, a mass in the cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Community and a small parade of the students of the Greek Community College with representative acts and dances.
The celebration is attended by around 150 to 170 people, a large number given the country’s Greek heritage.
Hellenic Collectivity of Santiago de Chile
The Hellenic Collectivity of Santiago is an institution founded in 1918 by 50 Greek immigrants who arrived in Santiago de Chile with the purpose of integrating and developing the local community.
The purpose of the community is to promote and spread Greek culture through different activities such as Greek classes, traditional dances, gastronomic samples and the celebration of important celebrations, including Independence.
He currently maintains contact and brings together approximately 250 Greek descendants residing in Santiago de Chile.
Restrictions in the capital city of Chile prevent meetings or celebrations. However, the community has carried out a series of activities with the students promoting the importance of Greek independence.
For the second semester of the year 2021, a change of headquarters has been projected, friendly with the new generations and that allows the development of Hellenism in Chile.
The president of the María Teresa Marinakis Collectivity commented that despite the restrictions and the forty in Santiago de Chile, they hope to pay tribute to the two hundred years of freedom of the Greek people at the inauguration of their new headquarters in the second half of the year.
Nostos Argentina
The Hellenic Cultural Association Nostos in Argentina is a non-profit civil entity dedicated to promoting and disseminating Greek culture and language.
Its last independence celebration took place in 2019, where a cultural exhibition was held at the National Library of Argentina, in it the flags and hymns of the two countries were presented, a historical semblance was made in Spanish and Greek languages , and of course the presentation of traditional dances.
The association’s events have had the presence of ambassadors and collaborators.
Cristina Tsardikos, President of the Helenica Nostos Cultural Association commented to the Greek Reporter that «concerts and various presentations have been held, with the purpose of spreading culture among the Greeks and Philohellans of Argentina.»
As a tribute to the bicentennial of independence, a series of activities have been carried out. Exalting the importance of Greek culture in Latin American literature. With the exhibition of Hispanic poets who in their works included historical material from the Greek revolution.
Greeks from Bolivia
In Bolivia there are no established communities, but there is a large presence of Greek descendants, families that are proud of their descendants in charge of sharing culture, traditions and celebrating important dates.
Such is the case of the Paputsachis family. A large family, united and rooted in its culture.
Varinia Pérez Paputsachis said that despite not having a community in her country, they have kept the traditions of the Greek people alive, holding meetings and celebrating important dates.
As a representative of the Greeks in Bolivia, she was invited to the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Greek community in Antofagasta Chile.
They may not celebrate the date like the large Latin American communities but as a family they will be in charge of making one more proud by demonstrating their unconditional love for the land of their ancestors.
Invitation to Latin American countries
In honor of the Bicentennial and in order to share Greek knowledge and culture, the ARGO Center for Hellenic Studies will hold the » I International Conference on Greek Culture and History» on March 25, 26, and 27.
Additionally, some Latin American communities will perform symbolic acts demonstrating their support by raising the flag outside their homes and carrying out activities enhancing Greek culture.