Rouketopolemos – Greece
Imagine two churches shooting thousands of homemade rockets at each other—all while trying to hit each other’s bell towers. That’s Rouketopolemos, the Easter tradition in Vrontados, Greece. Residents construct bamboo rockets for months, then launch them en masse during Easter midnight services.
The goal is symbolic “victory” over the rival church, although it usually ends in a friendly draw. The entire village becomes a fiery battlefield of noise, smoke, and chaos. It’s dangerous, dazzling, and so deeply rooted in rivalry and religion that few question its logic. Just bring earplugs and a fireproof jacket.
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