Spectacular Drone Show in Athens Marks Greek Independence Day

A spectacular drone show on Sunday evening, marking Greek Independence Day, turned the sky in the center of Athens into a colorful canvas with 3D figures, animated shapes, logos and text messages.

A total of 250 drones created seven of the most characteristic symbols of the liberation struggle, including the dove, the warship with the flag of Mani, the pistols, the naval cannon of the revolution, and the Evzone, while the show, organized by the Prefecture of Attica, closed off with the waving of the blue and white flag. Grizzly Entertainment conducted the show.

Drone show over Athens a timeless message of the Greek Revolution

In his statements, the Regional Governor of Attica, Nikos Hardalias, pointed out: “March 25th is not a typical anniversary. It is an integral part of our national identity and our daily life.

“The Region of Attica has chosen a special and different action this year, for the timeless message of the Greek Revolution to reach high in Attica’s sky,” Hardalias said. “In order to remind [us] constantly and in every way—and especially…the new generations—that nothing was given to us.”

Drone shows replace fireworks

Drones have been replacing fireworks to mark important events by providing spectacular scenes in the night sky.

In the US, some cities opted for drone shows instead of fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July last year, citing the impact traditional pyrotechnics have on the environment.

Drone shows are aerial displays that use a fleet of drones—each fitted with brilliant LED lights—to create patterns, shapes, and animated scenes in the sky.

An alternative to traditional fireworks, the drones offer a customizable form of entertainment, according to the drone company Sky Elements.

Drone shows have an advantage over fireworks for communities concerned about forest fires and other environmental impacts, Rick Boss, the president of Sky Elements Drone Shows, told CBS News. Compared with fireworks, he added, drone shows present significantly less risk.

Many people enjoy the booming sounds and flashing colors of fireworks, but, as animal rights groups warn, they can be terrifying, overwhelming,⁠ and hazardous for both wild and domestic animals.

On the Fourth of July, many animals become so frightened by the noise and commotion of fireworks that they run from otherwise familiar environments and people and sadly become lost.

They may also suffer devastating or even fatal health effects from stress. The sudden bright flashes and sounds can cause wild animals to run into roadways, resulting in more car accidents than usual.

Wildlife rehabilitation centers are often flooded with traumatized and injured wild animals after the holiday.

“Less risk of fire, less risk of damage, less risk of injury,” he said. “When performing a drone show, we ensure no one is within our safety perimeter should a malfunction occur.”