*Official Diplomatic Invitation**
International Cultural Memorial Ceremony
Monday, 14 September 2026 | 11:00 a.m.
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – Syntagma Square, Athens
To : Ambassador Office
Heads of Diplomatic Mission,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,Military, Naval & Defence Attachés,Cultural Attachés
Dear your Excellency,
It is my distinct honour to extend to Your Excellency this formal and honorary invitation to attend the SALAMINIA 2026 International Cultural Memorial Ceremony, commemorating the historic Naval Battle of Salamis of 480 BC — one of the defining events in European and Western history.
The Salaminia commemorations have developed into a distinguished international institution, bringing together the Municipality of Salamis, the Region of Attica, the Hellenic Government,Hellenic Navy, Diplomatic Missions accredited to the Hellenic Republic, and sister cities and historic communities connected with the ancient Greek world and the Battle of Salamis.
The commemoration serves not only as a tribute to the historical significance of Salamis, but also as an opportunity to reaffirm the enduring values of freedom, democracy, peace, international cooperation and cultural dialogue.
SALAMINIA 2026 – INTERNATIONAL DIPLOMATIC PARTICIPATION
The ceremony is honoured by the participation and representation of:
- United Nations / UNESCO
- Hellenic Government and public authorities
- Members of the Hellenic Parliament and political representatives
- Ambassadors and Diplomatic Missions accredited to Greece
- European Union representatives
- Armed Forces and Security Forces
- Military and Naval Attachés
- Cultural and Academic Institutions
- Official delegations from foreign countries
- Representatives of cities and institutions historically associated with Salamis
Since 2011, the Salaminia institution has acquired a distinguished international dimension, receiving the enduring recognition and honour of diplomatic missions and embassies representing 63 countries. It stands as a meaningful platform for cultural diplomacy, fostering unity, mutual understanding, international friendship and peaceful cooperation among nations.
UNESCO,🇺🇸 United States of America | 🇮🇱 Israel | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇮🇳 India | 🇨🇳 China | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇩🇪 Germany | 🇫🇷 France | 🇮🇹 Italy | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | 🇨🇾 Republic of Cyprus | 🇳🇱 Netherlands | 🇧🇪 Belgium | 🇻🇳 Vietnam | 🇵🇱 Poland | 🇲🇨 Monaco | 🇨🇿 Czech Republic | 🇵🇭 Philippines | 🇻🇪 Venezuela | 🇨🇺 Cuba | 🇨🇭 Switzerland | 🇦🇲 Armenia | 🇲🇽 Mexico | 🇺🇦 Ukraine | 🇱🇻 Latvia | 🇧🇸 The Bahamas | 🇮🇩 Indonesia | 🇬🇪 Georgia | 🇧🇦 Bosnia and Herzegovina | 🇹🇭 Thailand | 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇵🇦 Panama | 🇭🇷 Croatia | 🇧🇷 Brazil | 🇱🇹 Lithuania | 🇵🇹 Portugal | 🇧🇬 Bulgaria | 🇷🇴 Romania | 🇪🇪 Estonia | 🇪🇬 Egypt | 🇸🇰 Slovakia | 🇭🇺 Hungary |;🇦🇱 Albania | 🇷🇸 Serbia | 🇫🇮 Finland | 🇶🇦 Qatar | 🇩🇴 Dominican Republic | 🇸🇮 Slovenia | 🇰🇷 South Korea | 🇪🇨 Ecuador | 🇲🇩 Moldova | 🇨🇱 Chile | 🇨🇴 Colombia | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 🇦🇹 Austria |🇵🇰 Pakistan | 🇦🇷 Argentina | 🇷🇺 Russia | 🇲🇹 Malta | 🇵🇪 Peru | 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 🇨🇬 Republic of the Congo
“Honouring the memory of all those who fell throughout history, regardless of colour, religion, nationality or social status — a global commemoration uniting peoples in remembrance, peace and mutual understanding.”
Founder & Organizer of the Diplomatic Commemoration:
Kyriakos Maridakis 2011-2026
CEREMONIAL & DIPLOMATIC PROTOCOL
- Official Arrival
- Ambassadors / Heads of Mission / Diplomats / Military & Cultural Attachés:
10:30 a.m.
- Hellenic Government / Political Representatives:
10:45 a.m.
- Ceremony:
11:00 a.m.
- Venue:
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Syntagma Square, Athens
- Protocol Level:
Official Ceremonial Protocol – Level A / 1st
- Duration of the Ceremony: Approximately 1 hour
- Simultaneous Interpretation: Greek–English interpretation will be provide live throughout the ceremony.
- Diplomatic vehicles will be permitted to stop in front of the Parliament for the official disembarkation of distinguished officials.
- Wreath-Laying Ceremony
Each participating Embassy is respectfully invited, should it wish to do so, to present its own official wreath during the commemorative ceremony.
For protocol and visual uniformity:
- The wreath should be of a size comparable to that customarily used by the respective Embassy for its National Day or official commemorative ceremonies.
- One side of the ribbon may bear the name of the Embassy / Country and national colours or emblem.
- The opposite side should bear the inscription: “SALAMINIA 2026”
Delivery of wreaths:
07:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Syntagma Square
Behind the Guard Post, where all the wreaths be placed.
For the convenience of participating Missions, contact details of a florist located in the vicinity of the Hellenic Parliament are provided separately.
Florist: Mr. Kontogiannis – Tel. +30 210 323 5542
The organisers do not endorse or recommend any particular florist; the contact information is provided solely as a practical convenience.
- Ceremonial Flags
Participating Embassies may also, at their discretion, bring their official Ceremonial / National Flag with Parade Pole Set, to be displayed during the ceremony by:
- designated Embassy personnel/staff; or
- an authorised Military / Naval Officer of the Mission.
Arrival of Ceremonial Flags:
10:00 a.m. – 10:20 a.m.
Syntagma Square
Behind the Guard Post, where the wreaths to be laid will also be placed.
The attached photographic material provides visual guidance regarding the recommended ceremonial arrangement.
CONFIRMATION OF PARTICIPATION
Kindly confirm by email the participation no later than:
Thursday, 10 September 2026 | 14:00
For confirmations, protocol coordination and any further information, please contact:
Kyriakos Maridakis
Head of the Embassies / Ambassadors / Diplomatic Committee
International Relations Specialist BA-MA
Webster University – Athens Campus
Socio-Political Ambassadors Forum
Ambassador, Hellenic Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Former Royal Director – Royal Family of Dubai, UAE
Mobile / WhatsApp: +30 697 466 1062
Email: kyrmaridakis@gmail.com
Email: kyriakos_maridakis@yahoo.com
Postal Address:
Thivon 2, Abelakia
Salamis, 18902
Greece
With the highest consideration
The presence of Your Excellency and the distinguished representation of your Embassy would constitute a particular honour and would contribute significantly to the international character of SALAMINIA 2026.
We look forward to welcoming Your Excellency and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps at this important commemoration of the historical legacy of Salamis and its enduring contribution to the values of freedom, democracy, peace and international cooperation.
With highest consideration,
Kyriakos Maridakis
Head of the Embassies / Ambassadors / Diplomatic Committee
International Relations Specialist
Webster University – Athens Campus
Ambassador, Hellenic Institute for Cultural Diplomacy
Please kindly find attached the official invitation from the
Mayor of Salamis, Mr. Georgios Panagopoulos, and the
Deputy Mayor of Culture, Mr. Theodoros Zannis, for your kind consideration.
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OFFICIAL INVITATION (2)
CLOSING CEREMONY
Commemorative Representation of the Naval Battle of Salamis
Sunday, 20 September 2026
Ceremony Commences: 19:30 (7:30 p.m.)
Arrival of Distinguished Guests: 18:45 (6:45 p.m.)
Kamatero, Salamis
Akti Salaminomachon 65, Salamina
GPS Coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mL3jLwtEBqKs3z9H8
