A moment captured from the lighting ceremony of the sacred flame on the Acropolis, within the framework of the celebrations for the 130th anniversary of the Exodus of Missolonghi (April 1826). The Mayor of Athens, Pausanias Katsotas, lights the altar before the imposing Parthenon, linking the city’s classical heritage with the timeless message of freedom and self-sacrifice of the heroes of the Exodus. At his side, a woman in traditional dress stands ceremonially, underscoring the historical continuity of Hellenism, in the presence of military detachments, officials, and a large crowd.
(I. Grigorakis Collection)
On the occasion of this year’s bicentenary of the Exodus of Missolonghi (April 1826), the Document of the Month turns our attention to 1956 and the commemoration of the 130th anniversary of this historic event, when the Municipality of Athens organised a torch relay to convey the sacred flame from the Acropolis to Missolonghi.
