The “Start of the Spongers” is a custom with deep roots in the history of Chalki. For decades, sponge fishing has supported entire local economies, shaped seafaring professions and life courses, been linked to migration and inspired songs, traditions and collective memories, making the sea a central axis of islanders’ lives.
From 2022, the Municipality of Chalki organizes the revival of the custom, highlighting our rich cultural heritage, our maritime identity and the resilience of island communities.
For the fifth consecutive year, Chalki honored together the great naval and diving tradition of our island, as well as our brotherly connection with the neighbouring islands and, in particular, with Kalymnos.
On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the celebration started with music and dance, with the participation of the “Chorogenesis” Kalymnos, the Cultural Association of Rhodes – Chalki “Agios Ioannis” and the Cultural Association of Chalki “To Myrtos”.
On Sunday 19 April 2026, a theatrical event presented the life of the spongers – the “come and go” – with the participation of children from Kalymnos. Particularly moving was the large participation of Kalymnos, of the narrator of the event, Mr. Ioannis Nomikarios, and of course of Mr. Giannis Karamalis, one of the initiators of the revival of the custom, together with Mrs. Anna Tsoulfa, President of the Association of Women Divers “The Daughter of Kalymnos”.
The traditional dishes of the event will be curated by the “Agriculture in Kalymnos”, with many volunteers from Kalymnos. The re-enactment closed with the moving crossing of the boats in the harbour. This festive weekend ended with a farewell celebration on Sunday evening and the promise of a new meeting in 2027.
The 5th “Start of the Spongers” was implemented with the kind support and sponsorship of Dodekanisos Seaways, which we thank warmly for its valuable contribution.