A number of spectacular events and celebrations were held again this year on the beautiful Greek island of Spetses, on the occasion of the Armata Festival, on September 8-14. Armata is an event of great importance not only for Spetses but for Greece in general. It is the celebration of the glorious Battle of Spetses that was fought on September 8, 1822. During the battle, Kosmas Barbatsis’ fire-ship attacked the Turkish flagship and managed to sink it in front of the Spetses port. The sinking of the Turkish ship was vital for the battle’s result as the Ottoman fleet was forced to retreat. Each year, the celebration’s centerpiece is a representation of the battle in the island’s central port. Real ships are used, and a model ship is built especially for the occasion, in order to be burnt in the sea among a massive firework display. The burning ship closes the festive week in a grand manner. The celebrations include many cultural events and activities, both for young and adult visitors. This year’s Armata included theatrical and dance performances, concerts of traditional and contemporary music, and exhibitions. The festival reached its highlight on Saturday, September 13, with the reenactment of the naval battle. After the flagship’s burning, spectacular fireworks lit up the night sky.
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