These Two Rival Greek Churches Hold A "Rocket War" Every Easter, Shooting Fireworks At Each Other
Rockets have been fired each Easter, with both sides claiming victory. “But in the end, it’s all in good spirit, and everyone leaves happy." Krimigis said.
Locals in the town of Vrontados on the Greek island of Chios marked Orthodox Easter with a centuries-old tradition known as the “rocket war,” firing thousands of homemade rockets that lit up the night sky at midnight on Holy Saturday (April 19, 20).
Parishioners from the rival churches of Panagia Erithiani and Saint Mark lined up rockets on opposite hills and launched them at each other’s bell towers, aiming to strike the opposing church’s steeple, whilst the faithful attended Easter mass inside.
Astronomer Stamatios Krimigis said the custom has long been seen as a rite of passage for young people.
The tradition is believed to date back to the 19th century, when locals celebrated Easter by firing cannons in a contest between the same two parishes.
In 1889, Ottoman rulers banned the practice, fearing they would be used in a revolt against the occupiers.
Residents then began using less-harmful rockets instead, creating one of Greece’s most striking and enduring Easter customs.
For over 150 years, rockets have been fired each Easter, with both sides claiming victory based on the number of hits, Krimigis told Reuters. “But in the end, it’s all in good spirit, and everyone leaves happy.” he said.
The rocket war remains an essential part of Easter on Chios, local resident Giannis Apostolis said.
He noted that while the number of rockets had been significantly reduced in recent years due to mounting regulations, the event continues to be felt intensely across the island, especially in Vrontados.
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