The Municipality of Drama is a municipality of the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, established in 2011 under the Kallikratis Program. It was formed by the merger of the pre-existing Municipality of Drama and the Community of Sidironero. The municipality covers an area of 833.01 square kilometers, and its permanent population is 55,679 residents according to the 2021 census. The seat of the municipality is Drama.
The Municipality of Drama consists of two “municipal units,” which correspond to the former Municipality of Drama and the Community of Sidironero that was incorporated into it. Each municipal unit is divided into “communities,” which correspond to the districts of the abolished local authorities (OTAs).
Municipal Unit of Drama
The Municipal Unit of Drama was an independent municipality before its merger with the Municipal Unit of Sidironero, according to the Kallikratis Program. It has a population of 55,632 residents.
Municipal Unit of Sidironero
The former community and now Municipal Unit of Sidironero has an actual population of 430 residents and covers an area of 351.3 square kilometers. The seat of the community was Sidironero. Before its merger with the new Municipality, it was the largest community in Greece by area.
It includes the following municipal districts and settlements:
Events
Various cultural events take place in Drama throughout the year, organized by the Municipality in cooperation with organizations and associations. One of these is the “International Short Film Festival,” held every September. Another important event is the “Dramaica Youth Festival,” a music festival held annually in the area of the springs of Agia Varvara, featuring local bands as well as groups from all over Greece.
Additionally, during the first week of June, the “DramOINOgnoσία” festival is organized, focusing on wine and the art of its production and enjoyment, as well as the rich local gastronomy of this prominent wine-producing region of the country. Notable activities and events also take place in the city of Drama as part of the “Eleftheria of Drama” celebrations.
Chrysostomeia
The Chrysostomeia are annual track and field competitions held under the auspices of the Holy Metropolis of Drama, co-organized by DEKPOTA Drama, SEGAS Eastern Macedonia–Thrace, and the Athletics and Weightlifting Clubs of the Drama regional unit. They are organized in September in honor of Saint Chrysostomos of Smyrna, taking place at the saint’s church and the city’s National Stadium.
These games honor the memory of Saint Chrysostomos of Smyrna, the patron saint of athletes, as he demonstrated significant activity and interest in encouraging youth participation in sports and the development of athletic facilities during his tenure as Metropolitan of Drama and later of Smyrna.
Oneiroupoli
Throughout December, Drama hosts the largest Christmas celebration in the country, the “Oneiroupoli of Drama,” a magical Christmas village that strongly resembles similar Christmas villages of Central Europe.
