The first weekend after September the 8th is the most famous in Spetses, since then the biggest celebration of the island takes place: Armata.

The Armata is a week full of cultural, religious and other events, which culminates during the weekend, with the representation of the burning of the Turkish fleet in 1822. Back then, while the Greek fleet besieged Nafplio, participating in the revolution against the Turks, a part of the Turkish fleet turned against the defenseless island of Spetses for distraction.

Their aim was to conquer the almost defenseless island and force the Greek ships to rush to Spetses, thereby abandoning the siege of Nafplio.

The only few people of Spetses, who had remained to defend the island, resisted heroically and, led by Kosmas Barbatsis, managed to set fire to the Turkish flagship. So, the rest of the Turks had no other choice, but to eventually abandon the island.

During Armata, when the night falls, this heroic effort is represented with the burning of an effigy of the Turkish flagship and plenty of with fireworks.

Back then, the people of Spetses attributed this unexpected victory also to the help of Holy Mary and thus built the church Panagia Armata to honor her.

As it is considered to be the most important event for Spetses, the whole island is actively involved in the events of Armata. There is a variety of celebrations, performances, exhibitions etc. that will satisfy even the most demanding visitor. Armata is a must-lived experience , just make sure you have made your reservations early because those days the island is heaving with people.