The Armata Festival in Spetses is the most important festival on the Saronic Gulf and takes place every second week of September. This year, Spetses resembled Cannes with celebrities and luxury yachts lined up at Dapia port (CLICK HERE for the yachts).

Crowds gathered at Posidonios Square from early in the afternoon in order to see the historic re-enactment of the Battle of the Armata that 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.

Saturday was no exception with a huge fireworks display lighting the sky of Spetses. Earlier, people had attended a doxology at St. Nicholas Church followed by the throwing of wreaths into the water at Dapias port. The festival culminated late into the evening with dancing.