This year’s Antipodes Festival Lonsdale Street Glendi features the popular Plateia or ‘Square’, sponsored by Neos Kosmos. The Plateia will feature a number of Greek community associations representing diverse parts of Greece and their traditions.
The six communities participating in the weekend’s program are the Central Pontian Association ‘Pontiaki Estia’, Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Pan Cretan Association of Melbourne, Pan Macedonian Association of Melbourne, Panpriotic Federation of Australia and the Kalymnian Brotherhood.
Melbourne’s Greek community organizations have for many years been steeped in tradition and have preserved their cultural heritage through displays of craft and performance. This rich plethora of cultural infusion at the Plateia and on stage will be on display on Saturday and Sunday during the Lonsdale Street Glendi.
Highlights shall include the playing of authentic Greek musical instruments including the lyra by Giannis Polakis. Pan Cretans will bring to life the beautiful mantinades, while the Cypriots re-enact a traditional wedding complete with pinning money on the bride. The traditional Kouskoutoura Pontian rain dance will be performed, along with much colour and movement celebrating the carnival theme of the Glendi festivities.
From unique regional costumes, music, song and dance to the various selections of traditional arts, crafts and heritage artefacts –
The Neos Kosmos Cultural Plateia will become the showcase of Greek culture. The Neos Kosmos Cultural Plateia program