Chios: Revive this year’s Easter the custom of rocket war
The striking Easter custom of Rocket War was revived this Holy Saturday in her Vrontado Chiosgathering a multitude of spectators.
The rockets of the two ecclesiastical parishes, Panagia Erithiani and St. Mark, began their preparations early in the evening, with the first trial throws at around 9:30 pm.
The culmination of the custom occurred shortly before midnight during the resurrection, when thousands of rockets illuminated the sky, creating a spectacular spectacle.
This year’s event has been characterized by increased security measures and restriction on the number of rockets, with the aim of protecting residents and visitors.
See pictures from chiosphotos.gr
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kbyk7ueofbq
The custom of rocket war in Chios
Panagia Erythiani and Saint Mark stand up all year round, packed with each other peacefully. For a single night, that of Holy Saturday, the peaceful coexistence ends for the sake of … spectacular, by many, custom.
The Panagousis (parishioners of the Virgin Mary Erythian) aim to achieve the dome and the emblem of St. Mark with their rockets while the Ayomarcoussians (parishioners of St. Mark) the bell tower of Panagia Erithiani.
The rocket enters Sirta, the wick lights up and launches as soon as the bells sound cheerful. The sky is illuminated and the night becomes day.
Rocket War, with its roots being lost in the depths of the centuries, continues to be one of the most characteristic and impressive customs of Greek Easter, attracting thousands of visitors each year who wish to experience this unique experience in Chios.
The custom has its roots during the Turkish occupation, where the Vrontadus used small cannons with strong clicks to celebrate Easter, but the Turks, fearing that they could be used against them, banned them and replaced them with improvised rockets.
On Easter Sunday, the rockets who found their goal is counted and the winner is highlighted. The two « opposing » parishes are re -appointed for the following year, thus maintaining the tradition of many years.
See photos of the revival of custom
