Day 5, Part 2: A Different History Lesson

On our way home we saw a crowd gathered at Zappeio Hall for some sort of celebration, complete with a stage, lights, balloons, and an orchestra. Sarah, always looking for fun and adventure, excitedly dove in headfirst, with me following close behind.

The occasion: May 9, better known as Victory Day for the Soviet Union in World War 2. About a thousand people had gathered to celebrate the Red Army’s victory over the Nazis, complete with both Russian and Hammer-and-Sickle flags, speeches, Russian anthems, fireworks, and war propaganda films featuring Stalin on a big screen. There was even a children’s choir! It was full on Communist/Russian nationalism right in the heart of Greece for Zeus only knows what reason.

Sarah grabbed some pics and video for your viewing pleasure. Then we left the area to unpack exactly what we’d gotten ourselves into, and dive into “who the good guys were.” For me at least, it was an entertaining conversation.