Parade celebrating Union of Ionian Islands with Greece attended by numerous dignitaries
CORFU. The traditional parade was held in Corfu Town for the 162nd anniversary of the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece.
With full official ceremony, national pride, and due splendour, the celebrations in Corfu for the 162nd anniversary of the Union of the Ionian Islands with Greece reached their climax. This year’s anniversary carried special symbolism, as the presence of the President of the Hellenic Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, restored the celebration to the highest institutional level, while the Minister of National Defence, Nikos Dendias, was also in attendance, together with the local political and military authorities.
The Official Programme of the Day
The celebrations began in the morning with the traditional and moving flag-raising ceremony at the Old Fortress, where the flag waved proudly over the Corfiot sky.
10:30 – The official doxology service was held at the Church of Saint Spyridon, patron saint of the island, officiated by the Archbishop and attended by the political and military leadership.
11:15 – This was followed by a memorial service and the laying of wreaths at the Monument of the Union of the Ionian Islands, as a minimal tribute of honour to the fighters for Ionian freedom
The Grand Parade
The highlight of the celebrations was the grand parade in the centre of the Old Town, which captivated thousands of locals and visitors who had flooded the streets.
Tradition, youth, and the strength of the armed forces came together in a unique spectacle.
The following took part in the parade:
Pupils from the schools of Corfu marched with remarkable discipline and bearing, earning warm applause from the crowd.
Dozens of associations, dressed in their beautiful traditional costumes, added colour and historical depth to the anniversary celebrations.
With their unique marches and incomparable sound, the philharmonic bands evoked deep emotion, confirming the island’s great musical tradition.
The marching units of the army and security forces paraded in perfect synchronisation, conveying a sense of safety and pride.
The climax of the excitement came from the sky, as impressive flyovers by F-16 fighter jets over Corfu Town tore through the air, drawing enthusiastic applause from those present.
Cultural Two-Day Event: "Of the Union... 162 Years Later"
Alongside the official ceremonies, on May 21–22 the island of Corfu was transformed into a vibrant cultural stage. The Lykio Ellinidon and the Ionian Islands Regional Authority co-organised a cultural two-day event titled “OF THE UNION… 162 YEARS LATER.”
In various picturesque spots of the Old Town, Ionian cultural societies and traditional ensembles presented music and dance performances, conveying the message of historical memory and a shared Ionian identity through song and dance.
ELENI KORONAKI
