Oakleigh has developed into a thriving hub, renowned for its Greek community. But this year the Oakleigh Glendi has dropped the ‘Greek’ from its title and is welcoming the masses to the event to not only celebrate Greek culture, but to embrace the area’s cultural diversity.
Organisers are expecting over 20,000 people to attend the two-day event which will take place this weekend on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 October.
The program is jam-packed with free entertainment across two stages: the Main Stage, presented by the Pan Macedonian Association – from which SBS will be broadcasting live – and the Costco Stage.
There will be Greek dancing performances from various regions, including an array of traditional music performed by Akrites Tou Pontou, Strofes Band, OPA-School of Hellenic Dance, Polyxeni and The Rustica Project. On Saturday there will also be multicultural entertainment from around the world, including the Maya Dance Group, Gruppo Cultural Italiano, Cambur Pinton Band, and Sarayi Dance, among others.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper glendi without copious amounts of food and drink. Greek and Cypriot choices include mouthwatering souvlaki, meat grill and loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), along with paella, gozlome and arancini from neighbouring Mediterranean countries.
And if you really can’t get enough of loukoumades, you’ll be delighted to know there will be a ‘Loukomade – Greek Doughnut Eating Competition’ held on each day of the Glendi. Competitors will be challenged to eat 30 in under 15 minutes, and well, you guessed it − the first to finish wins.
Aside from consuming lots of delicious food, there’ll also be a chance to pick up some culinary tips. Cooking demonstrations will be held on both days at the Oakleigh Central Cooking Stage from 1.00 pm with presenters such as Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen, Philip Vakos from Bahari and The Hellenic Palate, and Zoe Konikkos and Nicolette Stathopoulo from MasterChef 2016.
A workshop marquee will provide the opportunity to learn some new dance moves and martial arts, but if you’re after more of a laid-back afternoon, an artisan Mediterranean marketplace will be set up with jewellery, homewares, food and accessories for purchase.
A selection of rides, free face painting and a photo booth will also be on site to keep the little ones entertained, along with the anticipated Glendi Raffle, which will see the lucky first-place winner receive two return tickets to Greece. You’ve got to be in it to win it.
Aside from celebrating culture and diversity, the Glendi will also be a chance to commemorate OXI day, Greece’s official National Day, and the Patron Saints of Sts Anargiri.
The Oakleigh Glendi will take place at Warawee Park, Oakleigh, VIC on Saturday 29 October from noon-10.00 pm and Sunday 30 October from noon-8.00 pm. For more information, visit oakleighglendi.com.au/
To take part in the Loukomade – Greek Doughnut Eating Competition, enter online before the event or at the information tent on the day.