Armata
Every September, Spetses brings to life the crowning moment of its history. **Armata** is the island's biggest celebration, dedicated to the victorious **Naval Battle of September 8, 1822** — one of the most significant events of the Greek War of Independence of 1821. Crowds of Greek and foreign visitors come to Spetses every year to attend the brilliant week-long festivities.
The History of Armata
The Municipality of Spetses honors each year the supreme act of heroism of the Spetsiotes, the Naval Battle of Spetses that took place on September 8, 1822, recorded as one of the most important events of the 1821 Revolution.
The Municipality organizes "Armata", the biggest festival of the island, with a reenactment of the glorious Naval Battle, framed by exceptional cultural events.
The Spetsiotes dedicated their victory to the Virgin Mary, building the small church Panagia Armata, because, according to tradition, she helped the Greeks defeat the Turkish fleet.
The Celebrations
Crowds of visitors, Greek and foreign, come to Spetses every September to attend the splendid celebrations of "Armata", which last one week and are organized in commemoration of the Naval Battle of Spetses.
The celebration programme includes:
- Painting exhibitions
- Musical and dance events (concerts, choirs, traditional dance and music ensembles)
- Theatrical performances
- Cannon volleys
- Cultural activities all around the island
The Naval Battle Reenactment
On the second Saturday of September, the reenactment of the historic naval battle takes place with the burning of a replica of the Turkish flagship, accompanied by the simultaneous narration of historical events. The reenactment culminates in a spectacular display of fireworks and flares.
A large number of Spetses residents take part in the celebrations, while the island is honored by the presence of distinguished officials, representatives of the state, the church, authorities, letters, and arts.
The Hellenic Navy honors the battle of historical significance with the presence of a ship and a detachment. The Municipality, in turn, honors the invited guests at a special ceremony held at the Spetses Town Hall before the reenactment.
Moments from Armata
Event Archive
Events 2022
Armata 2022 took place with a full programme of festivities throughout September, culminating in the Naval Battle reenactment on September 10.
