Rouketopolemos: Greece’s deafening Easter celebration

Katie Burke

From processions in Vatican City to bonfires in northwest region of the continent, Easter is a time of celebration and tradition in Europe.  While most of the festivities tend to be somewhat orderly, on the Greek island of Chios, they prefer their commemoration of the Christian holiday to be a bit more explosive.

Rouketopolemos — the Greek term for rocket-war — is an annual exchange of rocket fire between two churches in the town of Vrontados the midnight before Easter Sunday. According to local tradition, the rival congregations of St. Mark and Panaghia Ereithiani have been participating in this “war” since the island was under Ottoman control.

About 150 people participate in building and firing almost 25,000 rockets every year, according to BBC.  Though the source of the tradition is unknown, it has been alleged that real canons were originally used until the ruling Ottoman Empire banned them.

The exchange of fire ends when one church hits the other’s bell, however, neither side has been able to definitively judge whose bell is hit first, thus leading them to agree to settle the matter in the following year.

Both churches hold mass as the rivals exchange fire, making for raucous Easter services.  Churchgoers and priests are protected from stray rockets by wrap wire sheeting and boarded-up windows and doors.

While the churches themselves are protected, BBC has reported that there have been human casualties as well as damage to nearby cars and houses — an aspect of the tradition many locals do not appreciate.  

Rouketopolemos has become somewhat of a tourist attraction over the years, however, it is recommended that visitors observe from indoors

An aspiring journalist, Katie enjoys learning about the world firsthand through travel. Her main area of interest is Spain and Spanish culture, however, she is open to going anywhere and everywhere she has the chance. To Katie, the most important part of the travel experience is documenting it.