The International Dance Festival is one of the most important events in the cultural life of the city. Every year, graduates of several internationally famous dancing schools come to Kalamata to compete for the right to be called the best in this art. The festival usually starts in the middle of July and lasts 10 days. This is the time when both locals and guests of the city can enjoy spectacular dancing performances and innovative choreography or participate in interesting master-classes. The event is held at the International Dance Center and some other venues in the city.
Every year, Kalamata celebrates Independence Day of Greece. Traditionally, the holiday is celebrated on March 25 that coincides with the Annunciation. It is a country-wide holiday, the date of which is not random. It is believed that the announcement about the rebellion and soon-to-happen independence of Greece from Turkish invaders helped the rebels to keep fighting and free a part of the country. Independence Day is widely celebrated throughout the country. For example, the president and clerical establishment visited Kalamata in 2015. The head of the country participated in the reconstructed fight of the rebels and occupants and received the status of an honorary resident of Kalamata. The clergy held a special liturgy in the church of the Holy Apostles.
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