Kalamata: The creators’ response to the carnival spot fiasco

The recent advertisement for the Kalamata Carnival, which has caused a wave of reactions, is not just an ‘inappropriate’ advertising idea — it is a choice that insults basic principles of human dignity and social sensitivity. In the video, a woman is shown being held against her will and then ‘exchanged’ for money depicting the carnival logo, an image that immediately brings to mind trafficking and human exploitation practices.

Feminist organizations and civil society groups have condemned the spot as disgraceful and offensive. The leader of the opposition in the Municipality of Kalamata directly accused the creators of how the image portrays the abuse of women and their use as a commodity in a carnival context.

In its statement, the Carnival Committee not only shows no remorse for the ad but defends its content, stating that “art, humor, and satire have always been means of expression, reflection, and social commentary.”

The full statement of the Kalamata Carnival:

“Statement of the Kalamata Carnival regarding the promo spot ‘Free the mood’

Following the reactions that have arisen due to one of the promo videos of the Kalamata Carnival, we, as the Carnival Committee, feel it is our duty to make this post explaining the scenario of the video and deconstructing it to make it clear that it has nothing to do with the accusations it has received.

The Kalamata Carnival is and will remain a celebration of joy, freedom of expression, collectivity, and respect for every person, regardless of gender, identity, or social status.

The entire video is symbolically staged, starting with its title ‘FREE THE MOOD’. Based on this title and with a comedic intent, the female protagonist of the video symbolizes the need and desire for all of us to have fun, enjoy ourselves, and ‘break free’ from the everyday problems, which are personified by the two male co-stars. On the other hand, the Kalamata Carnival, depicted in the carnival banknotes, symbolizes liberation from the daily routine.

Art, humor, and satire have always been timeless means of expression, reflection, and social commentary. This specific spot of the Kalamata Carnival was created within this framework, with no intention to offend or demean the female gender, or any social group.

The people who participated, starred in, and created this video are individuals who, for years, have been defending human rights, equality, and respect for diversity, both through their public presence and in their daily lives. Therefore, we consider it self-evident that they could not have operated with an opposing intent.

We are sincerely saddened by the fact that an attempt at humor and artistic expression — elements that society needs more than ever today — was interpreted negatively.

We understand that art and storytelling can provoke different interpretations. However, we consider it unfair and inaccurate to attribute intentions that do not exist to this specific work, especially in a period when society must discuss calmly, with dialogue and substance.

From the Carnival Committee.”