We are now well into the Christmas festive season and Melbourne’s Greek community is once again showing the unique character and vibrancy of its celebrations across the city.
Last week, the Lemnian Community of Victoria farewelled 2018 with a Christmas Family Day for the children and a luncheon with music for the elderly.
Photos from the Lemnian Community's Christmas Family Day
Attendance exceeded expectations in both events, with young and old participating in the celebrations.
The Christmas Family Day programme was full of games and activities for kids, including a visit from Santa of course, while Christmas spirits were also high at the elderly’s lunch.
At the Lemnian Community's elderly lunch
On behalf of the Lemnian Community and its board, President Yiorgos Yiannaros wished everybody Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Meanwhile, members and friends of Melbourne’s Pontiaki Estia welcomed in their homes last week Pontian musicians singing traditional Kalanda.
The custom, performed for 40 years now, is a living reminder of the community’s rich cultural heritage and the active role of Pontiaki Estia in maintaining and passing on the traditions of Pontos to our younger generations.
Pontian "Kalandades"
It is worth noting that among the houses the “Kalandades” visit every year are those of some of the most vulnerable members in our community, who find solace in the sound of “Χριστός ‘γεννέθεν, χαράν’ς σον κόσμον”.
Yet another event with a years-long tradition paying tribute to the Greek Kalanda is expected to take place this Sunday 23 December.
For a 35th consecutive year, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia invites community members to attend the Annual Pan-Orthodox Christmas Carols, held at the Melbourne Town Hall from 5 to 8 pm.
Last but not least, among the top recent festive events was Fronditha’s Christmas Party at the organisation’s Clayton facilities last Saturday.
Artists and performers from the Manasis Dance School and Band, the Pan-Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria and the orchestra led by Pantelis Krestas entertained guests and residents for hours.
The turnout was great and everyone was eager to join a big ‘jam session’ of music and dance with joyful sounds inundating the room.