WMBCTV: Greek Independence Day

With blue and white flags waving in the wind, the Greek spirit is strong today in honor of Greek Independence Day that dates back to Greece’s victory in the Greek Revolution in 1821. Today, the holiday marks a celebration of heritage, freedom and community pride. For many, that celebration starts at the table where cultural dishes bring loved ones together. Pete Matthews, an owner at Naxos, says there are a host of special dishes that bring families together for the holiday. But to mark this special day, there are a few that stand out.

“I’d probably say spanakopita, which is the spinach pie. Saganaki which is fried cheese. Gyros, any lamb dishes, any seafood,” said Pete Matthews, Owner at Naxos Estiatorio. “The Greek cuisine is pretty vast.”

As the community acknowledges Greek Independence Day, restaurant owners say food is more than just sustenance—it's a mirror of culture, telling the stories of tradition.

“Food is a big reflection on Greek culture,” said Pete. “We pride ourselves in our food, of course. We have many traditional dishes on the menu that we will never take off, never tweak the recipes. There’s different takes that we have, but our roots are grounded in traditional Greek cuisine.”

Pete says restaurants like Naxos are important in preserving Greek history and culture, especially here in the United States.

“From the outside white stucco, all the rounded corners to the inside having the rustic stone and the rustic wood, everything trying to reflect the authenticity of Greece as best we can,” said Pete. “We take pride in having authentic food, having fresh ingredients and replicating what they do in Greece.”

Pete also says that you don’t have to be Greek to celebrate the holiday. He says the Greek community welcomes anyone and everyone to celebrate.

“Greece is sometimes overlooked but it’s a fun day to celebrate and have some Greek food and celebrate with the community,” said Pete.

This same pride echoed throughout communities across the world, where community members gathered for flag-raising ceremonies. In Paterson, local officials came together to raise the Greek flag with the singing of the national anthem. Whether through a raised flag or a shared meal, community members are celebrating Greek history.