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The Great Greek Rocket War

Rouketopolemos "ROCKET WAR" is a Greek tradition held annually during Orthodox Easter in the town of Vrontados on the island of Chios. While most places celebrate with fireworks during church services at midnight before Easter Sunday, Vrontados takes it to another level. Two rival church congregations engage in a "rocket war," launching tens of thousands of homemade rockets at each other's bell towers. These rockets, crafted from wooden sticks and packed with gunpowder are fired from specially designed grooved platforms by drunken "Rocketeers." The event draws tourists from around the world despite being completely illegal.

English
  • Originally Aired September 12, 2024
  • Runtime 14 minutes
  • Network YouTube
  • Production Company VICE Media
  • Created November 28, 2025 by
    AddingStuffIsFun
  • Modified November 28, 2025 by
    AddingStuffIsFun