Kalamata was the first city to shake off the Ottoman rule,and every year it celebrates its liberation with battle re-enactments that have visitors putting their hands over their ears as quickly as you can say "dynamite".
The city commemorates the outbreak of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, which began there. Local inhabitants play the roles of Petrobei, Kolokotronis, Nikitaras, Papaflessas and other significant chieftains of the revolution. The players then gather in the Square of Agion Apostolon along with the people and the clergy.
Everyone attending the proceedings participates enthusiastically, kitted out in traditional costume and brandishing cardboard pipes stuffed with gunpowder. A Te Deum is celebrated concurrently at the Holy Church, while the historical conference of the Messinian Council is re-enacted on the same day.
Everyone attending the proceedings participates enthusiastically, kitted out in traditional costume and brandishing cardboard pipes stuffed with gunpowder. A Te Deum is celebrated concurrently at the Holy Church, while the historical conference of the Messinian Council is re-enacted on the same day.
AU
BE
DE
DK
ES
FR
IE
IT
SE
NO
NZ
UK
US