Considered to be the highlight of dry season in Australia’s north, Darwin’s annual Greek gleNTi had Greeks and non-Greeks alike in high spirits.
Held at The Esplanade on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 June, thousands turned out to enjoy the best of Greek culture, with the highlight no doubt being the food.
Stall holders were kept on their toes, with everything on offer from meat on the souvla, shiftalyes, kleftiko, and souvlaki, amongst other mouth-watering favourites.
While honey puffs are admittedly always a favourite, this year more were consumed that ever before, thanks to the Greek Orthodox School’s custom-made deep fryer, which arrived just in time for the weekend.
“We can make 600 honey puffs at a time with this,” Manoli Papathamas told NT News. “Previously we could only make 200 at a time.”
Though he admits “We do make the best food!”, for local Harry Spirou the festival is a chance to share and pass on thousand-year-old traditions.
“It’s to keep the cultural alive – we’ve got three dance groups, and you can practice all you like but they need a chance to perform,” said Mr Spirou.
“It’s an opportunity for Cypriots to get together, too, because in normal life you don’t get the chance all the time.”
A family event, both young and old were kept entertained over the two days with a jam packed schedule of cooking competitions, music and dance performances, along with an appearance by Dora the Explorer and Paw Patrol.