Rouketopolemos

Name: Rouketopolemos
Start: 2025-04-18
Location: Vrontados

The Easter Battle That Sets the Night Sky Ablaze with Sparks and Rivalry on Chios Island

2026/04/10

Every year on Orthodox Easter Eve, the village of Vrontados on Chios Island is engulfed in the fiery spectacle known as Rouketopolemos (“Rocket War”). As midnight approaches, two rival parishes face each other across the valley, launching tens of thousands of handmade rockets in a barrage that turns the night sky into a canvas of fire, thunder, and cheers. For thrill-seekers, photography enthusiasts, and travelers seeking an unforgettable experience, Rouketopolemos is a festival that electrifies all the senses.

The air is thick with the scent of gunpowder and anticipation, as streaks of orange and blue rockets shoot across the sky. Locals and visitors gather on rooftops and behind barricades, hearts pounding as rockets fly overhead and generations-old rivalries light up the night with sparks.

Main Attractions

The Rocket War: Midnight Mayhem in Vrontados

The undisputed highlight is the rocket firework battle itself. As the church bells strike midnight, teams from Agios Markos and Panagia Erithiani churches ignite over 60,000 handmade rockets. The goal: to hit the rival church’s bell tower as many times as possible. Sparks arc across the valley, explosions and smoke fill the air, and the acrid scent of gunpowder envelops the village-a truly breathtaking sight.

Preparations take months, with teams crafting rockets from bamboo, gunpowder, and clay, and protective nets and metal sheets installed around the churches. The battle lasts for hours, with pauses for the Resurrection mass and bell counting. In the end, both sides tally their hits to declare a winner, but as always, each parish claims victory, and the tradition’s sparks are carried on to the next year.

Cultural and Historical Background

Rouketopolemos (“Rocket War”) is a tradition that dates back at least to the Ottoman era, though its origins are debated. Some say it began as a way for locals to celebrate Easter under Ottoman rule, using rockets and fireworks as a form of resistance or distraction; others trace it back to even older springtime rituals. For the people of Vrontados, it is a cherished symbol of local pride, generational rivalry, and a tradition that unites families and the community.

Despite concerns about safety and calls for regulation, the rocket war endures as a testament to the island’s spirit and creativity. For local youth, it’s a rite of passage; for visitors, it’s a rare chance to witness “the wildest and most exhilarating night” of Greek culture.

Participant Voices

I’ve photographed festivals all over the world, but Rouketopolemos is in a league of its own. The sound, the color, the chaos-it’s difficult to capture in photos, but absolutely unforgettable.

Fun Facts

Over 60,000 rockets are fired each year, using up to 500 kg of gunpowder.
Both churches are protected with wire mesh and metal sheets to prevent damage during the battle.
The outcome is always disputed, with both parishes claiming victory and the tradition continuing into the next year.
Rocket-making begins months in advance, with specialized teams constantly testing and refining their designs.

Festival Dates

Rouketopolemos takes place every year on Orthodox Easter Eve in the village of Vrontados, Chios Island. The exact date varies according to the Orthodox calendar.