On March 25, Greeks across the country sit down to a beloved national dish: fried salted codfish (bakaliaros) served with a pungent garlic potato purée (skordalia). While it may seem like a curious culinary tradition to accompany the celebration of Greek Independence Day, the dish actually reflects the deep interweaving of religion, history, and practicality in Greek culture.
March 25 is a dual holiday in Greece. It commemorates the start of the Greek War of Independence against Ottoman rule in 1821, and it is also the Feast of the Annunciation, one of the most important days in the Greek Orthodox calendar. The Annunciation marks the moment the Archangel Gabriel told the Virgin Mary she would bear the son of God—a joyful event even when it falls during Lent, a 40-day fasting period before Easter.
During Lent, observant Orthodox Christians typically abstain from meat, dairy, and fish with backbones. However, March 25 and Palm Sunday are exceptions, when fish is permitted. That’s where salted cod, or bakaliaros, comes in.
Historically, fresh fish was expensive or inaccessible in many inland or mountainous parts of Greece. Salted cod, imported mainly from Northern Europe, became an affordable, long-lasting alternative. It was easy to preserve and transport—perfect for a population in the 19th and early 20th centuries that didn’t have widespread refrigeration.
Over time, fried cod became the go-to dish for this special day. The crispy, golden fillets are typically accompanied by skordalia, a thick garlic-potato purée that packs a bold punch. The garlic is not just for flavor—it has symbolic associations with strength and protection, echoing the spirit of resistance celebrated on Independence Day.
Today, the dish is enjoyed in homes, tavernas, and public squares across Greece, uniting the religious and national aspects of the holiday in one deeply satisfying meal. Even those who don’t fast or attend religious services on March 25 will still line up for a plate of hot bakaliaros and skordalia—often served outdoors, amid parades and patriotic music.
What began as a practical solution has become a flavorful symbol of Greek identity and resilience. On this day, a humble dish tells a much larger story—about faith, history, and the power of tradition to bring people together.
