The Exodus of Messolonghi or, according to some authors, the Holocaust of Messolonghi, refers to the exit made by the besieged soldiers and civilians of Messolonghi, when the possibilities of continuing the defence against the Turkish and Egyptian troops were lost, due to the exhaustion of food. The event took place on the night between 10 and 11 April 1826, during the Revolution of 1821.
The Exodus of Messolonghi, on 10 April 1826, has been written in large letters in the book of world history as an example of self-sacrifice and bravery.
In memory of this great historical event and the fallen Exodites, a series of events known as “Exodus Celebrations” are held every year in Messolonghi. These events culminate on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, with two processions.
On Lazarus Saturday and after the memorial service, which takes place in the Metropolitan Church of St. Spyridon, a procession is held with the icon of the Heroic Exodus, accompanied by thousands of marchers from all over Greece. When the long procession reaches the Garden of Heroes, the re-enactment of the blowing up of the demigod Christos Kapsalis takes place. On Palm Sunday, a praise service is held at the Church of St. Spyridon and the second procession follows, to end up again at the Garden of Heroes.
A large number of visitors, young and old dressed in traditional costumes, clubs from all over the country and philharmonic bands, ambassadors of foreign countries and representatives of the Greek Government are present every year, reviving the memory of the Heroic Exodus.
Exit of Messolonghi
The Exodus of Messolonghi or, according to some authors, the Holocaust of Messolonghi, refers to the exit made by the besieged soldiers and civilians of Messolonghi, when the possibilities of continuing the defence against the Turkish and Egyptian troops were lost, due to the exhaustion of food. The event took place on the night between 10 and 11 April 1826, during the Revolution of 1821.
The Exodus of Messolonghi, on 10 April 1826, has been written in large letters in the book of world history as an example of self-sacrifice and bravery.
In memory of this great historical event and the fallen Exodites, a series of events known as “Exodus Celebrations” are held every year in Messolonghi. These events culminate on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, with two processions.
On Lazarus Saturday and after the memorial service, which takes place in the Metropolitan Church of St. Spyridon, a procession is held with the icon of the Heroic Exodus, accompanied by thousands of marchers from all over Greece. When the long procession reaches the Garden of Heroes, the re-enactment of the blowing up of the demigod Christos Kapsalis takes place. On Palm Sunday, a praise service is held at the Church of St. Spyridon and the second procession follows, to end up again at the Garden of Heroes.
A large number of visitors, young and old dressed in traditional costumes, clubs from all over the country and philharmonic bands, ambassadors of foreign countries and representatives of the Greek Government are present every year, reviving the memory of the Heroic Exodus.