Students Honor the Macedonian Struggle

At the initiative of the Municipality of Kalamaria and organized by the Deputy Mayor’s Office of Culture, students from 14 middle and high schools of the city honored the Macedonian Struggle on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at the Kalamaria Municipal Theater “Melina Mercouri.”

Through theatrical, musical, and narrative performances inspired by the history and heroes of the era, the students highlighted—with sensitivity and creativity—important aspects of our historical heritage.

IMMA, as a supporting organization of the event, participated with a presentation by Professor of the University of Macedonia and Director of KEMIT-IMMA, Ms. Stavroula Mavrogeni, titled: “Natalia Mela Dragoumi, an Unsung Heroine,” shedding light on the significant contribution of an emblematic female figure of the early 20th century, wife of the Macedonian fighter Pavlos Melas.

The event emphasized the importance of historical memory and the active participation of young people in culture. With a large audience turnout and the presence of representatives of the state and the educational community, the value of an experiential approach to History through creative activities was highlighted.

At the end of the morning session, following the presentation of the schools’ theatrical performances, commemorative awards were presented to the students by the Mayor of Kalamaria, Ms. Chrysa Arapoglou; the Deputy Mayor of Education, Lifelong Learning and Culture, Mr. Thanos Giannakos; the Director of the War Museum of Thessaloniki, Colonel Athanasios Papathanasiou; the Director of IMMA, Ms. Athina Pavlidou; and the Vice President of the Association “Friends of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle,” Mr. Manolis Manos.

The curation and preparation of the performances were carried out by educator, director, and former Principal of the 1st General High School of Kalamaria, Effi Zioga, with the aim of showcasing the students’ creativity.

The event was held under the auspices of the Ministry of the Interior (Sector of Macedonia and Thrace) and was implemented with the support of the Regional Directorate of Education of Central Macedonia, IMMA, the Holy Metropolis of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, and the contribution of the Kalamaria Youth Municipal Council.

Congratulations to all the students, educators, and contributors for this excellent initiative!