Thousands of rockets created an impressive spectacle in Vrontado of Chios carrying the joyful message of the Resurrection. The rocketeers of Vrontados, faithful to their appointment as every year, celebrated it Resurrection in a phantasmagoric way observing the custom that is lost in the depths of the centuries. This year the participation of the people was very large, as it is estimated that around 20,000 spectators from Greece and abroad watched the custom.

Watch the impressive video:

How rocket warfare was established

The Rocket Battle is a custom observed every Easter in Vrontados of Chios during which on the night of the Resurrection thousands of improvised rockets are launched between the two churches of the area, Panagia Ereithiani and Agios Markos. The Panagousoi (parishioners of Panagia Erithiani) aim to hit the dome and the emblem of Agios Markos with their rockets, while the Agiomarkosoi (parishioners of Agios Markos) aim to hit the bell tower of Panagia Erithiani with their rockets. Preparation takes place several months in advance where teams from the two parishes make the “explosive cocktail” of coal, nitrous and sulfur and place it in the rockets. On the night of Holy Saturday, the rockets are set up on wooden bases, the rocket launchers, in order to take the appropriate trajectory and achieve their goal. The spring sky is flooded with the colorful flashes and clicks of thousands of flaming rockets that create a spectacular atmosphere impressing all visitors. The custom has its roots in the period of the Ottoman rule, when the Brontës used small cannons with loud bangs to celebrate Easter, but the Turks, fearing that they could be used against them, banned them and replaced them with improvised rockets. On Easter Sunday, the rockets that hit their target are counted and the winner is announced. The two “rival” parishes meet again for the following year, thus maintaining the tradition of many years.

Source: chiosphotos.gr/