SPANIDEIA 2025 – 30–31 August, Two-Day Event in Honor of Admiral Athanasios Spanidis, Kalamata – Mikromani – Ancient Messene

Description :

Saturday, 30 August
At 14:00, the 1st Spanidis Offshore Sailing Race will commence at the Port of Kalamata.
At 20:00, two lectures on the life and wartime actions of Ath. Spanidis will be held at the Kalamata Cultural Center.
Speakers:
– Vice Admiral (ret.) Panagiotis Raditsas, HN, President of the Hellenic Submarine Association
– Kristy Emilio Ioannidou, Author – Naval History Researcher (Hellenic Institute of Naval History, EL.I.N.IS.)
Following the lectures, a cultural event titled “Encounters in the Fog of History” will be presented by Stavroula Douka.
Throughout the evening, a special exhibition of rare archival material will be open to visitors. Admission is free.
Sunday, 31 August
A memorial service will be held at the Church of Saint Barbara in Mikromani, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at 10.00.
At 10:30, the 1st Spanidis Cycling Race of Ancient Messene will start from the Metochi of the Holy Monastery of Great Lavra. Cyclists will complete a 55 km route along the provincial road, passing through Ancient Messene, the Arcadian Gate, Meligalas, Valyra, and finishing back at Ancient Messene, where the award ceremony will take place.
In the evening, the 1st Spanidis Offshore Sailing Race will conclude at the Port of Kalamata, with a prize-giving ceremony.
The events will culminate with the Traditional Dance Festival at the Monument of the Unknown Sailor, featuring cultural associations from the region.
Spanideia is not only a tribute to a great man’s memory, but also an opportunity for athletic expression, cultural celebration, and shared historical consciousness. The blend of memory, journey, and dance connects old and new generations in a common celebration of values.

For the 1st Spanidean Cycling Race of Ancient Messina Mrs. Eleni 6974252234

For the 1st Spanidean Offshore Sailing Race Mr. Giannis 6944464119

Other info :

Following the success of “Spanideia 2024,” the “Cultural Association Admiral Ath. Spanidis” is organizing the two-day event Spanideia 2025.

Admiral Athanasios Spanidis was a distinguished figure of the Hellenic Navy, known for his command of the historic WWII submarines KATSONIS (Y1) and PAPANIKOLIS (Y2). With deep scientific knowledge and active collaboration with the “Demokritos” Research Center, he embodied the model of the modern officer who bridges operational experience with scientific expertise. Born in Mikromani, Messinia, he served his country with humility and devotion, always preserving a strong connection to his homeland.