The 41st Paniyiri Greek Festival brought South Brisbane to life last weekend with thousands of people attending the two day event.
More than 50,000 festival-goers enjoyed entertainment on multiple stages and a range of stalls and devoured a record number of Greek delicacies between dancing sprees.
This year’s revellers have reportedly devoured over 300,000 loukoumades, a record number even for Australia’s longest living Hellenic festival.
Greeks and lovers of all things Greek also consumed 100,000 dolmades, 1.6 tonne of haloumi and one tonne of baby octopus, thousands of souvlakia and had their fare share of Greek beer, wine, ouzo, and of course frappe.
It was easy to spot celebrity guests such as Home and Away’s Ada Nicodemou and co-star Penny McNamee in the happy crowd, alongside House Rules winners Luke and Cody and current contestants Aaron and Daniella.
Nicodemou attended the festival for the first time and won the dance contest.
“I have heard so much about the festival throughout the years, so I’m really excited to check it all out but I didn’t realise how big it was,” Nicodemou said.
“It smells insane. I am really looking forward to eating the food.”
The Prime Minister also issued a statement saying that Paniyiri has a special place in the cultural life of Brisbane, paying tribute to the organisers and volunteers that have been making this event happen over the last 41 years.
“As the streets come alive with the sights, sounds and tastes of Greece, it [Paniyiri] is a festival that brings the whole community together in celebration.
“As much as an opportunity for Greek Australians to take great pride in their cultural heritage, it is equally a chance for the broader community to be part of the joyful spirit that makes Greek culture so vibrant, dynamic, and creative, Malcolm Turnbull added. “Paniyiri is truly something to be shared and celebrated.”
This year also marked the 40th anniversary of Hellenic Dance performances at Paniyiri and to celebrate, a special showcase program took place with all funds raised going back into the community via the Greek Orthodox Community of St George.