Summary

Apokoronas held a series of commemorative events marking the Vamos Revolution of 1895–1896, a local uprising that contributed to Crete's eventual union with Greece. The centrepiece was the unveiling of a bust honouring historian Nikolaos Papadakis, attended by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas. Delegations from the municipalities of Kalavryta, Epidavros and Voio also participated in the event.

Apokoronas commemorates the Vamos Revolution with bust unveiling and national gathering

The municipality of Apokoronas marked the anniversary of the Vamos Revolution (1895–1896) with a series of commemorative events that brought together guests from several Greek municipalities and the President of the Hellenic Republic.

The Vamos Revolution is regarded as a pivotal episode in Crete's struggle for political autonomy and its eventual union with the Greek state.

Bust of historian Nikolaos Papadakis unveiled

The highlight of the commemoration was the unveiling of a bust honouring Nikolaos Papadakis — known locally as "Papadis" — a historian and researcher who devoted his life to preserving and promoting the history of Crete. The bust was installed in his birthplace.

President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas attended the unveiling ceremony. According to the municipality's press release, the initiative to erect the monument had been publicly proposed a year earlier and was supported by Papadakis's family and the National Research and Study Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos".

Road race held in the historian's honour

A road race dedicated to the memory of Nikolaos Papadakis was held alongside the commemorative programme, drawing a large number of runners and members of the public.

Delegations from across Greece

Representatives from several municipalities attended the events:

Kalavryta (Peloponnese): Mayor Athanasios Papadopoulos
Epidavros (Peloponnese): Mayor Anastasios Chronis
Voio (Western Macedonia): Council President Alexandros Zimpilidis, along with deputy mayors and other representatives

These municipalities are each associated with significant moments in Greek national history.

Organisations involved

The events were organised with the involvement of several institutions, including the Region of Crete, the Regional Unit of Chania, the National Research and Study Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos", the Agia Sofia Foundation, the non-profit foundation "Emmanouel Mariakakis", the Institute of Regional Press, and local cultural associations.

Official source

Press Release – From the Vamos of the Revolution to the Apokoronas of Creation – When History Becomes Responsibility and Unity

June 2, 2026, 7:23 AM

With feelings of deep emotion, pride and complete satisfaction, the commemorative events in honour of the Metapolitefseis Revolution of Vamos (1895–1896) were concluded — a landmark historical moment that opened the path to the political autonomy of Crete and prepared the great step towards freedom and Union with the Mother Greece.

The days we lived through were a living proof that history continues to illuminate the present and guide our future.

I wish to wholeheartedly thank all those who contributed to the success of these great events. The Region of Crete and the Regional Unit of Chania for their enduring support, the National Research and Study Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos", the Agia Sofia Foundation, the non-profit foundation "Emmanouel Mariakakis", the Institute of Regional Press, the Cultural Associations of our area, the elected representatives at all levels, the employees of the Municipality of Apokoronas, the volunteers and all those who worked with dedication and love for the impeccable organisation of the events. Their contribution was decisive and proved once again what we can achieve when we act with unity, cooperation and a shared vision.

Particular thanks I address to our brothers from the Municipality of Kalavryta, led by Mayor Mr Athanasios Papadopoulos — a place identified with sacrifice, resistance and national dignity.

Warm thanks to the Mayor of Epidavros, Mr Anastasios Chronis, representative of a place indelibly connected with the birth of the modern Greek state and the fundamental principles of democracy.

I thank the President of the Municipal Council of Voio, Mr Alexandros Zimpilidis, as well as the Deputy Mayors and representatives of the brother Municipality of Voio, who honoured Apokoronas with their presence and confirmed the strong bonds that unite us.

I warmly thank all the distinguished speakers, scientists, historians and researchers, the representatives of the authorities, institutions, the Church, cultural associations, the volunteers, and every citizen who participated in the events, lending with their presence special brilliance and substantive content to our actions.

Through this meeting of historical places and people, the need emerged to preserve and strengthen the bonds that unite the places of the great struggles of Hellenism. To build bridges of cooperation, solidarity and a common course, following in the footsteps of those who sacrificed themselves so that we can live free today.

Particular emotion and vindication was provided by the unveiling of the bust of the late Nikolaos Papadakis — our own Papadis — an emblematic figure of the spirit and historical research, who dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Cretan history. The presence of the President of the Hellenic Republic, Mr Konstantinos Tasoulas, lent particular prestige and national weight to this moment. At the same time, the road race in honour of the late Nikolaos Papadakis was a great success, with numerous participating runners and citizens, confirming that his contribution and legacy continue to inspire, unite and guide younger generations.

For me personally, the completion of this work also carries a special symbolism, as a year ago I publicly put forward the proposal for the erection of the bust of Papadis in the place that gave birth to him. The immediate response of his family, the National Research and Study Foundation "Eleftherios K. Venizelos" and all those who embraced this initiative proved that when a proposal is grounded in memory, truth and love for one's homeland, it can become reality.

Apokoronas has once again proven that it can honour its past with dignity, serve the present with seriousness, and plan the future with confidence. The Metapolitefseis Revolution of Vamos, the historical links with Epidavros, Kalavryta and Voio, as well as the honour paid to Nikolaos Papadakis, together composed a powerful message of national unity, historical continuity and collective responsibility.

Our ancestors handed down to us a heavy legacy of struggles, faith and dignity. It is our obligation to hand it on even stronger to our children.

The success of these events belongs to everyone. It belongs to those who worked, to those who participated, to those who travelled to be with us, and to those who believe that history is not the past but a guide for the future.

Together we can achieve more. Together we honour our history. Together we build the future that Apokoronas, Crete and Greece deserve.