Minister of Foreign Affairs, George Gerapetritis' message on World Greek Language Day (09.02.2026)

Message by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yiannis Loverdos, on World Greek Language Day

February 9th is dedicated to Dionysios Solomos, Greece’s national poet. Through this choice of date, UNESCO recognizes the Greek language as a heritage of freedom and a source of creativity for all peoples.

Δήμος Καλαμάτας - Municipality of Kalamata has received a major international distinction, as the mural by visual artist Kleomenis Kostopoulos, depicting Maria Callas on the central Aristomenous Street, was named Best Mural in the World for 2025 by the international institution Street Art Cities. It is the first time a Greek artwork has won this global title.
The monumental mural now adorns the city center and has already become a landmark for residents and visitors alike. Through a dynamic artistic approach, the iconic figure of Maria Callas comes alive in public space, powerfully linking street art with contemporary Greek culture.
For the artist, the work is more than a portrait: “Callas isn’t a commemorative image, but a symbolic presence — a body carrying culture between past and present.” Nature, roots, fruit, and birds emerge as symbols of identity born from the land and its people.