Freedom Day

Drama is one of the most martyred regions of Greece. During its centuries-long history, it met many conquerors who left their indelible marks. The region experienced mourning, pain and loss due to the devastating disasters and multiple massacres. July 1, 1913 is a symbolic day for the region. It marks the countless struggles and infinite sacrifices of the Draminas for Greece. Drama honors its heroic ancestors and holds events in various parts of the city as part of the celebration of the liberators of Drama, during the June-July period. The liberation of Drama belongs historically to the military operations that took place during the Balkan Wars (1913-13). The Greek army under the leadership of Colonel Nikolaos Michalopoulos Arkadikos entered the city as a liberator. Metropolitan Agathangelos of Drama writes characteristically in his diary: “Rejoice in the gospel! Freedom and Freedom, we celebrate! We’re moving! Our victorious and trophy-bearing Greek army entered Drama! Joy! Rejoice! Flames! Freedom!”. The liberation of Drama was legally guaranteed by the Treaty of Bucharest (July 28, 1913), with which the Greek borders reached Nestos and all of Eastern Macedonia was annexed to Greek territory. The dramatic people who had suffered everything in the vortex of history, managed to strengthen and steel their will for Freedom, despite their uncritical geographical position and their coexistence with peoples of different national origins.