Every year on Greek Independence Day, in addition to the parades and commemorations, tables in many Greek homes and restaurants are filled with the traditional dish of cod with garlic sauce.

This is a custom deeply rooted in Greek culture, linked both to the religious significance of the day and to the dietary habits of Lent.

The meal celebrates both Independence Day and the Feast of the Annunciation, falling during Lent when fish is normally forbidden. The dish is popular nationwide, bringing together crispy fish and creamy garlic dip (Skordalia).

There are different myths and stories as to how that specific dish became so traditional, and how it started to be the typical dish to eat on the day. Also, no one knows why the cod needs to be “pastos”, meaning “salted”. Maybe because, according to one legend, at that time, many English were sending cod to Greece in exchange for raisins, which had to be salted to preserve them during the long journey.

Whatever the reason, cod remains the star of the day, keeping alive a delicious tradition that is passed down from generation to generation.