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Fiery streaks from handmade rockets lit up the night sky over the village of Vrontados on the Greek island of Chios during Easter celebrations on April 11, 2026.
The event brought together two rival church congregations in a traditional "rocket war" that turned the resurrection night into a striking display of light and sound.
The exchanges took place between Saint Markos and Panagia Erithiani churches, which stand about 400 meters apart.
As the evening unfolded, thousands of fireworks were launched between the two sides, creating a dense stream of light across the sky.
The rockets used in the event were handmade and had been in production for months ahead of the celebration.
In this context, the rockets were a type of firework prepared specifically for the Easter night tradition.
Before the firing began, the rockets were placed on launch pads in different locations.
Once the sun set, they were fired at the same time, setting off the night's main spectacle.
The event centered on the long-standing rivalry between the congregations of the two churches. From opposite sides, they fired rockets in rapid succession as part of the traditional "war."
As the exchanges intensified, the aim was to strike the bell tower of the rival church.
Tens of thousands of rockets were fired over the course of the night, with the volleys coming one after another.
The scale of the firing illuminated the sky so intensely that night appeared to turn into day.
Light, smoke, and sound filled the space between the churches as the Easter ritual played out.
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