Last weekend Brisbane transformed into a little Greece celebrating Paniyiri’s 42nd birthday, attracting in excess of 50,000 guests immersing themselves in Hellenic culture and flavours.
There was something for every age and taste, from sporting activities to cooking and coffee making demonstrations, live music and dancing; this year’s Brisbane Paniyiri even catered for wine lovers with a grape stomping competition and a plate breaking marathon.
Australia’s longest running Greek festival took over Musgrave Park once again, with festival-goes eating their way through an array of food stalls – over 30 -offering souvas, loukoumades, dolmades, saganaki and many more traditional delicacies.
This year’s favourite performer was by far 6-year-old bouzouki player Dimitrios Kastritsios, who alongside the Cretan and Pontian dance groups kept thousands of guests on their feet.
Like every year, thousands formed a line doing the Zorba with Steve Pozzios winning a trip to Athens for two. Alison Pears, Julia Steffen, Camron Ebzery and Matina Karanicolas were also among the lucky winners walking away with gifts and vouchers.
