Celebrating in King Otto’s Greece

The heavy-handed regime of King Otto Bavaria introduced the ritual national celebrations in Greece 1833. monarchy instituted annual for occasions such as apovatíria—the anniversary Otto’s landing Nafplio—and also organized festivities some king’s other public appearances (departures, arrivals, inauguration various institutions). were primarily based on traditions European royal courts and secondarily protocol Orthodox Church. its concomitant institutions, church (with religious ceremonies) army hierarchy), offered a familiar safe spectacle with their firmly established rites parades, processions, hymns, chants. Given scanty financial resources Greek state during reign, sponsoring required delicate balance. Focusing example War Independence March 25, 1838, this article emphasizes regime’s effort to stage said manner befitting both significance each event grandeur without provoking sentiment high cost or events that unfamiliar inhabitants capital, Athens.