article_snippet.sent: Dozens of brave souls even attend the late-night services inside the churches of Aghios Markos and Panaghia Erithiani while the annual battle is held – even when the structures and surrounding homes are ringed in defensive veils of chicken wire.
article_snippet.sent: Fortunately, severe injuries are rare in Vrontados during the fiery celebrations.
article_snippet.sent: Although small firework displays are held at churches around Greece at midnight services on Easter Saturday - despite official disapproval from Church officials - Vrontados is in a league of Church own, drawing spectators from all over Greece and abroad.
article_snippet.sent: The custom dates back to the 19th century, when the Aegean island of Chios was under Turkish occupation, but may have older roots.
article_snippet.sent: Preparations last all year, while on the Saturday morning participants parade their hardware through the village in lorries, honking their horns.
article_snippet.sent: Scroll down for video .
article_snippet.sent: Incredible images resembling a war scene show the spectacle, which attracts visitors from across Greece and further afield to watch .
article_snippet.sent: The traditionally 'battle' is thought to date back to the 19th century .
article_snippet.sent: A young boy is helped by two men wearing scarves round two men wearing scarves necks .