Kalamata was the first city to be liberated as the Greeks rose in the Greek War of Independence. On 23 March 1821, it was taken over by the Greek revolutionary forces under the command of generals Theodoros Kolokotronis, Petros Mavromichalis and Papaflessas.
The liberation of Kalamata by the Greeks was the first major hit to the Ottoman Empire and played a key role in inspiring others to follow the revolution. The City reenacts every year the historic day in a ceremony that attracts many dignitaries and thousands of attendees.
Watch the video below from the 2016 reenactment of the liberation of Kalamata:
Take a look at these photos by NEO Magazino that captured the spirit of the day:
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