The Rocket War Festival

Rouketopolemos

Unleash your inner thrill-seeker and experience an Easter celebration like no other at Rouketopolemos, an awe-inspiring spectacle of pyrotechnic rivalry that lights up the night sky on the serene Greek island of Chios. Held in the picturesque town of Vrontados, this unique event sparks into life at the stroke of midnight before Easter Sunday, when two local church congregations engage in a friendly “rocket war”. Tens of thousands of homemade rockets, fired from grooved platforms, crisscross the sky, painting a tableau of light and sound, all with the goal of hitting the opponent’s bell tower.

Set against the backdrop of the tranquil Aegean Sea, the rival parishes of St. Mark’s and Panaghia Ereithiani, perched on hilltops just 400 meters apart, offer a stunning setting for this spectacular showdown. As the rockets fly and the towers toll, the score is tallied, and although both sides always claim victory, the friendly dispute ensures the tradition continues year after year. These historic churches and nearby buildings are shrouded in protective coverings, bearing witness to the high-octane excitement of this local custom.

Rouketopolemos is steeped in the intrigue of its Ottoman-era origins, believed to have started with real cannons until their use was forbidden in 1889. This raucous tradition, despite its explosive nature, attracts visitors from around the globe, offering a distinct twist on the typical Easter celebration. So, mark your calendars for Orthodox Easter Day (following the Julian calendar) and get ready to experience the sky ablaze with fiery streaks of rivalry at Rouketopolemos, where tradition and festivity unite in an unforgettable explosion of culture.