Spetses Armata Festival

Armata Festival in Spetses: The most important festival of Spetses is Armata, which is organized in the second week of September and includes artistic events, such as traditional dances, theatrical performances, various exhibitions, and presentations.

The events' heyday is on Saturday, when locals and visitors get together in order to celebrate the anniversary of the Naval Battle which took place on September 8, 1822. This battle was part of the 1821 Greek War of Independence and constituted one of its most important fights.
The people of Spetses believed that the Virgin Mary helped them win that battle and dedicated their victory to her. To honor her, they built a church and named it "Church of Panagia Armata".
Note that the 8th of September is the day that the Mother of Jesus was born (according to the Orthodox Church).

There are reenactments of this victory, performed by night. Real ships are used, and a model ship is built especially for the occasion, to be burnt in the sea among a massive firework display, which closes in a big manner the festive week.