Events Calendar

Feast of Ypapanti of Christ

The patron saint of Kalamata is celebrated with great glory on February 2, in the Cathedral of the same name. Thousands of pilgrims are there to watch the procession of the holy icon through the city’s main routes.

Carnival festivities

Carnival festivities in Kalamata and the vicinity include the traditional gaitanaki (maypole) folk dance, fires, balloon flying, music, dance and offering of local traditional delicacies.

Carnival of Kalamata

Special and colorful festivities with traditional features. They start at the beginning of the Pre-Lent period and end on the Sunday of Forgiveness, with a fantastic parade.

Carnival of Nedousa

It takes place every Clean Monday (Monday of Lent). The participants are dressed as goats, and wear pastoral bells. They visit houses and collect treats. At noon, a revival of the man’s circle of life takes place on the square: ploughing and sowing, the harvest, marriage, death, resurrection.

Reenactment of the Liberation of Kalamata

From the Ottoman rule Celebrations and festivities that take place on 23 Martiou Square and at the Holy Apostles church on 23 March, the day that the 1821 War of Independence started and the city was liberated. A special moment is when the reenactment of the reoccupation of the city by the Greeks is performed, together with a reading of the “Warning to the European courts” which was drawn up by the Messinian Senate.

Religious Music Choir Festival

This is an evening of religious music performances that take place in the Church of Holy Taxiarches on Lazarus Saturday. It is part of the religious happenings of the Holy Week and Easter Sunday.

From Good Friday through to Easter Sunday

The Epitaphios is paraded on Good Friday. The Epitaphios of the Cathedral of Ypapanti is accompanied by the Municipal Marching Band of Kalamata. The Anastasi (Resurrection) is celebrated with great glory in all churches, especially in Ypapanti. On Easter Sunday, the Agape (Love) Vesper is performed, during which the Gospel is read in many languages.

The flower fair

It takes place at the end of May. Flowers, plants, equipment and other supplies are being showcased here. Parallel events are organized during the fair: learning activities, art and folklore happenings, scientific presentations, support and consultancy on urban farming issues.