{"id":3181,"date":"2019-11-26T11:04:25","date_gmt":"2019-11-26T11:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pyroparty.es\/the-small-greek-town-with-a-rocket-war\/"},"modified":"2019-11-26T11:04:25","modified_gmt":"2019-11-26T11:04:25","slug":"the-small-greek-town-with-a-rocket-war","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pyroparty.es\/en\/the-small-greek-town-with-a-rocket-war\/","title":{"rendered":"The small Greek town with a rocket war"},"content":{"rendered":"

Throughout the globe there are many parties where the pyrotechnics is the protagonist Around the world are celebratedfireworks shows<\/a>\u00a0large caliber or small scale.<\/p>\n

However, today in\u00a0Pyroparty\u00a0<\/a>
\nWe want to talk about a curious and little known celebration. We are talking about the\u00a0Easter party in Vrontados<\/strong>,
\na small population on the Greek island of Chios.<\/p>\n

WHAT IS CELEBRATED IN THE\u00a0ROCK WAR<\/em>?<\/h1>\n

The Rouketopolemons or\u00a0rocket war<\/em>\u00a0it’s a party that\u00a0is over 100 years old<\/strong>. This celebration dates from when Greece was under the regime of the Ottoman Empire.<\/p>\n

In this curious party, the ancient inhabitants of Vrontados decided\u00a0organize a fake battle<\/strong>\u00a0so that the Ottomans did not approach to see what was happening, time that the locals took advantage of tocelebrate the resurrection of Christ<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Another legend states that this party is much older and has no dated start. However,until 1889 guns with gunpowder were used<\/strong>,
\nbut the Ottomans decided to ban its use so that a revolt does not start.<\/p>\n

A battle between two churches<\/h2>\n

Whatever its beginnings, the truth is that it is still a holiday worth seeing and admiring. On this holiday there is a battle\u00a0
\nbetween the parishes of Panaghia Erithiani and San Marcos<\/strong>,
\nfrom where their faithful fire rockets.<\/p>\n

The objective?\u00a0Hit the bell of the opposite church<\/strong>. However, the important thing is not who wins or loses (it is never very clear) but how well the inhabitants of this small Greek town have a good time.<\/p>\n

It is a celebration that\u00a0puts the whole town to work during Lent<\/strong>\u00a0(40 days before Holy Thursday). The rockets are prepared, the security measures on the houses and the churches, some “trenches” from where the artifacts are going to be launched …<\/p>\n

Security has become increasingly important in the Rouketopolemons, as every year more tourists go to witness this show. Everything so that in this party there is nothing to regret and much to celebrate.<\/p>\n

Here you can see a video where everything that gives of this fun battle is shown.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n