“When Even the Sponges Cry”: Emotional Book Presentation Honors Kalymnos Sponge Diving Heritage
A special cultural event dedicated to memory, tradition, and the rich sponge-diving heritage of Kalymnos will take place on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the ground floor hall of the Spiritual Center.
The event is organized by the Kalymnos Reading Society “Ai Mousai” and will feature the presentation of its latest publication, the book by the late Faneromeni Chalkidiou-Skylla titled “When Even the Sponges Cry”.
The publication brings to life testimonies, memories, and personal stories from the world of sponge diving, capturing the emotional experiences behind the island’s historic maritime profession.
The book will be presented by the honorary president of the Reading Society, Panagiotis Giameos, while selected excerpts will be read by Kalotina Korfia and Evdokia Lappa.
A greeting address will be delivered by Evangelos Karamanes, Director of the Hellenic Folklore Research Center of the Academy of Athens.
The event is expected to become a major cultural highlight for Kalymnos, celebrating the island’s maritime identity and preserving the collective memory of its sponge-diving tradition.
