National Holidays in Spetses
The national anniversaries of **March 25** and **October 28** are honored every year in Spetses with an official commemorative programme, in keeping with the tradition and respect the island owes to the fighters of national independence. The events include a general flag display, evening illumination, official doxology at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Nicholas, a memorial service and wreath-laying at the war memorial, and the student parade in front of the Poseidonion Hotel.
Flag Display & Illumination
During the national anniversary celebrations in Spetses, a general flag display is held at all Public and Municipal Buildings, NPDD and NPID Establishments, Banks and Organizations, docked vessels, and town residences.
The flag display lasts from the morning of the day before the national anniversary until sunset on the day of the anniversary itself.
Additionally, an illumination is held at all Public Buildings, Municipal Establishments, NPDD and NPID buildings, Banks, town Organizations, and docked vessels, during the evening hours of the eve and the day of the celebration.
Programme of the Day
On the eve of each anniversary, at 09:00 a.m., festive events take place at the schools of Spetses.
On the day of the national anniversary, the following programme is observed:
- 07:30 — Joyous bell-ringing at the parish churches of the town, organized by the Archpriest of Spetses.
- 10:15 — Official Doxology at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Nicholas, attended by the residents and all town authorities. Schools are arrayed in the courtyard of the Church.
- 10:30 — Memorial service at the war memorial, at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Nicholas in Spetses, and delivery of a commemorative oration. This is followed by the wreath-laying by the town authorities, a moment of silence in memory of the glorious dead, and the National Anthem by the Spetses Music Society.
Next, the procession moves to Poseidonion Square, for the wreath-laying by the Mayor of Spetses and the students of the schools at the statue of the Heroine Laskarina Bouboulina.
The student parade follows — kindergarten, primary, junior high, and high school students of Spetses — in front of the Poseidonion Hotel.
After the parade, a reception is held at the Spetses Town Hall.
Participants
The events are attended by:
- The Holy Clergy
- The Municipal Council
- NPDD and NPID Establishments
- The Authorities of Spetses
- Retired Officers
- War Disabled Veterans
- Associations of Teachers, Professors, Parents and Guardians
- All Associations and Clubs of the island with their Boards of Directors
- All residents of the town of Spetses
*The detailed programme for each national anniversary is announced by the Municipality of Spetses prior to the celebration date.*
