A sunny, but windy day here in Spetses this 25 March. Flags were out in force, but had to be held on to, as crowds celebrated the Independence Day this year.

The dignitaries all met at Ayios Nikolaos early in the morning for the traditional wreath laying by the schools. There was also a minute silence followed by various remembrance speeches.Holding the Spetses flag: marching form Ayios NikolaosThe band marches on: all the way to the Possidonian jetty

The procession of children slowly walked down from Ayios Nikolaos, through the town, up amongst the crowds on the Dapia and down to the Possidonian jetty.Laying the wreath: while Spetses look on Marching up through Dapia: towards the Possidonian jetty

The band played and after much clapping, all the marchers, along with their families and other onlookers, made their way to various restaurants, bars and coffee shops for a well deserved snack and pat on the back.

Photographs and information by Rosalind  Forster