Anniversary of March 23rd, 1821

This year marks 205 years since March 23rd, 1821, the day when Kalamata became the first city to be liberated from Ottoman rule, marking the beginning of the Greek War of Independence.

The Municipality of Kalamata will celebrate the anniversary with pride and a rich program of events. The Greek Government will be represented by Christos Dimas, while Parliament will be represented by MP Miltos Chrysomallis.

PROGRAM OF CELEBRATIONS – MARCH 23rd, 2026

Velanidia Monastery

14:00 Memorial service, lighting of the Flame of the Revolution, and start of the “Sacrifice Run”

23rd March Square

15:00 Formation of school flags outside the Church of the Holy Apostles

15:15 Arrival of officials completed

15:20 Finish of the “Sacrifice Run”

15:25 Arrival of the Flame from Velanidia Monastery

• Arrival of the Flag of the Revolution
• Lighting of the altar and raising of the Revolutionary Flag

15:35 Arrival of invited guests

15:40 Doxology at the historic Church of the Holy Apostles, officiated by Metropolitan of Messinia Chrysostomos of Messinia

16:00 Memorial service in honour of the Heroes

• Keynote speech by Theofaneia Siouti, Director of Primary Education of Messenia
• Roll call of the chieftains who participated in the liberation of Kalamata in 1821
• Wreath laying ceremony
• One minute of silence in memory of the Heroes
• National Anthem

16:20 Reenactment of the liberation of Kalamata on March 23rd, 1821

17:00 – 17:30 Parade of school students and historical groups

Ceremony Director: Panagiotis Lyras
Event Announcer: Kostas Tserentzoulias
Parade Coordinator: Panagiotis Malamas

The reenactment will feature drummers from the “Artventure” group led by Petros Kourtis, members of the “Melifono" women’s choir and the Kalamata Equestrian Club.

Numerous cultural associations and groups will participate, along with the Kalamata Municipal Philharmonic, primary and secondary school units of Messenia, Akritas 2016, Messeniakos Gymnastic Club, and the Messenia Runners Club.

Municipal Cultural Centre of Kalamata

17:30 Award ceremony for top athletes of the “Sacrifice Run”