Every year, on the weekend closest to September 8, the Armata takes place in Spetses. And I go every year (or nearly every year). This important celebration commemorates the victory won by the Greeks in the struggle for independence against the Ottoman Empire. While this is an important historical moment, it’s also a real popular festival, with a re-enactment of the naval battle on the water, fireworks, traditional dances and popular songs. It takes place throughout the week, culminating on Saturday evening. My children love it… and so do I.
Armata 2023 will take place from September 7 to 10, an event not to be missed!
Thursday, September 7, 2023:
- 7am: Liturgy at Agios Mamas Church
- 9:30 am: Commemorative service at the bust of Admiral Georgios Androutsos with flag raising
- 7pm: Religious service at Panagia Armata church
- 9pm: Concert with Gianna Vassiliou, special guest: Dimitris Bassis, Place Poseidonio
Friday, September 8, 2023:
- 7am: Liturgy at the Holy Church of Panagia Armata
- 10:15am: Laying a wreath at the monument to Kosmas Barbatsis
- 7pm: Church service and celebration at Ypapanti Church to mark the bicentenary of its construction
- 9pm: Concert with Natacha Theodoridou, Place Poseidonio
Saturday, September 9, 2023:
- 7am: Religious service at Ypapanti church
- 7 pm: Reception in honor of guests at Spetses Town Hall
- 8:30pm: Concert with Mario Fragouli and the Navy Band, Place Poseidonio
- 9:30 pm: Reconstruction of the naval battle, with ship on fire and fireworks.
Sunday, September 10, 2023:
- 7am: Religious service at Agios Nikolaos Metropolitan Church
- 9:45 a.m.: Official guests gather in Place Poseidonio
- 10:15am: Religious ceremony at Agios Nikolaos Church and wreath-laying ceremony
- 6:30pm: Sunset Party at the Kosmas Barbatsis monument.
Why go to the Armata festival in Spetses?
There are many good reasons to attend the Armata in Spetses:
- firstly, because it’s a beautiful sound and light show that deserves to be seen at least once.
- afterwards, because it’s always nice to spend a weekend in Spetses. This island has the advantage of being close to Athens (to find out how to get there, see our article A weekend in Spetses).
- going away for the weekend just after the start of the school year makes you feel like you’re still on vacation!
- and this is one of the most pleasant times to enjoy Spetses. The weather is fine, and temperatures are generally still warm but less stifling than in July and August. The sea has warmed up during the summer months and is the perfect temperature for swimming.
Laure M.
What is the Armata? A little history
In 1822, following Theodore Kolokotronis’ defeat of the Turkish army at Dervenakia during the Greek War of Independence, very few fortresses remained standing against the Greeks. Among these, the fortress of Palamidi in Nafplio remained in Ottoman hands. The Greeks decided to lay siege to it, led by the famous Bouboulina.
To supply the Palamidi fortress, the Turkish fleet first tried to attack the islands of Spetses and Hydra. Mexis, a captain from Spetses, took the decision to transfer the women and children to Hydra, an island more difficult to reach (and therefore less vulnerable) due to its steep coastline.
The famous naval battle of Spetses occurred on September 8, 1822. Despite being outnumbered, the Greek fleet engaged in fierce combat against the Turkish fleet. The battle lasted a long time, engulfing the space between Hydra and Spetses in smoke. The intensity of the smoke led the inhabitants of Hydra to mistakenly believe that Spetses was ablaze. Despite the odds, the Greeks managed to set fire to the Turkish flagship, causing it to sink in Spetses harbor. This decisive action prompted the Turkish fleet to retreat in panic, resulting in the liberation of the Gulf of Nafplio.
The Greeks attributed this victory to the Virgin Mary, whose small church, Panagia Armata, is located on the port of Spetses and whose feast day is September 8.
Greece’s recent history is often overlooked, so we’ve dedicated an article to it, recounting important events from 1821 to the present day.
The Spetses Armata today
The performance of this historic event attracts tens of thousands of visitors to the island of Spetses every year.
A few weeks before the start of the festival, local boat builders produce a wooden boat which is used to symbolize the Turkish flagship of 1822. The boat is then brought to the port of Spetses.
This festival week begins on Monday and usually features a full program of Greek dances, concerts and shows.
The grand finale takes place on the Saturday evening closest to September 8. The evening begins around 9pm with dancing and music. Meanwhile, in the harbor, boats lit by flaming torches make their way very slowly towards the wooden boat symbolizing the Turkish ship. At around 10 p.m., when all the boats are in position, the story of the naval battle begins (in Greek, with a summary in English beforehand). The audience listens religiously, then the story reaches its climax, the music builds to a crescendo and a small fishing boat approaches the “Turkish” boat to set it on fire. In a matter of seconds, the wooden boat bursts into flames and fireworks shoot out from inside the boat, simulating an explosion. All around, people scream with joy.
The evening continues with a magnificent fireworks display on the water and live music. All in a festive, convivial atmosphere.
Armata in practice
Where : on the island of Spetses
When: The Armata takes place every year on the Saturday evening closest to September 8. The show starts around 9:30 pm, on the harbor. It’s usually packed, so it’s best to arrive 30 minutes before the show.
How much does it cost? The Armata festival is completely free of charge. Just expect to pay for your stay in Spetses.
A word of advice : try to book your accommodation well in advance, as you won’t be the only ones wanting to go to Spetses at this time of year.
Find out more about Spetses: how to get there, how to get around, where to stay? see our article A weekend in Spetses
So, will we be seeing you at the next Spetses Armata?
Laure M.
