Peabody celebrates 187th Greek Independence Day

PEABODY – Nearly 100 people gathered around Peabody City Hall Monday afternoon to celebrate the independence of one of the city’s largest populations.The blue and white Greek flag was raised to mark the 187th Anniversary of Greek Independence Day when the country was finally successful in their fight for freedom against Turkey’s Ottoman Empire. The historic event took place on March 25, 1821, the same day of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary.The city has been honoring the culture’s history for several years, said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. In fact, Peabody adopted the Greek sister-city of Messinia not too long ago.”I am very, very pleased we can participate in honoring their heritage and their independence,” said Bonfanti, referring to what he called the “active and large Greek population” that has made “tremendous contributions to the city.”The day’s events featured a performance of traditional Greek folk dances by students of the St. Vasilios Greek School of Peabody, as well as the singing of both the American and Greek national anthems. Speakers from within the Greek community also spoke about their heritage, as well as Bonfanti, who offered an official proclamation.St. Vasilios Greek Orthodox Church will celebrate again with a ceremony next Sunday.