The isle of Spetses on the Argosaronic Gulf draws thousands of spectators to the island on the second weekend of September to celebrate Panagia Armata (Virgin Mary of the Armata). The event commemorates the Naval Battle of Spetses thattook place on September 8, 1822.
Hotel’s are fully booked and the island has been inundated with businessmen, shipowners, TV personas and other celebrity jetsetters who have come to the island to enjoy the event, many of them on their luxury yachts that are lined up at Dapia, the central port of Spetses, in front of the Poseidon hotel.
One of the impressive arrivals is Melige, on which local TV presenter Eleonora Meleti is traveling. Two Segway’s are parked in front of the yacht so that the yachts passengers can enjoy a “stroll” around the island famous for its no-car policy.
Another yacht is Esmeralda that belongs to entrepreneur Polis Hatzioannou and Ilias Metaxas Corelia. Fashion designer Celia Kritharioti and businessman Nikos Tsakos Ipanema is lined up with Konstantinos Stengos’ boat Mr. Porto Carras that is up for sale and available for rent for 89,000 euros per week.
An army fregate anchored at the port of Spetses
Businessman Polis Hatzioannou’s yacht “Esmeralda”
Two Segway’s infront of Melissanidis yacht
Nigerian-born Greek billionaire Alkis David’s yacht is “Bad Attitude”
A parade of yachts
A parade of bikinis on the yachts –
Putting on the final touches for the Battle of the Armata
The Battle of the Armata celebrates the major victory of the naval forces of Spetses against the Ottoman fleet during the Greek War of Independence in 1821. The Greek side won thanks to the bravery of Captain Kosmas Barbatsis, who managed to set the Turkish Flagship on fire and blow it up. It’s this heroic act that has been re-enacted every year since 1931 with festivities culminating with a huge firework display and music.
