A local Greek school is inviting Melbourne residents to kick up their heels in an inaugural ‘zorbathon’ Greek dancing competition to coincide with the 2020 Yarraville Festival.
St Nicholas Greek School will hold the dance event, one of many multicultural events hosted at the school each year.
The spokesperson for the event, parish priest Fr Alexandros said the zorbathon dance competition was a fun way for everyone to get in touch with their inner Greek culture.
“We are on the hunt for Melbourne’s best zorba dancer, so put on your dancing shoes. There are a series of activities that offer fun and excitement for the whole family, both young and old,” said Fr Alexandros.
READ MORE: St Nicholas Greek School steals the show at Yarraville Festival [PHOTOS + VIDEO]
“In addition to the zorbathon competition, festival-goers are encouraged to participate in the ever-popular grape squashing competition. Held for the first time last year, this kids-only event involves the children squashing grapes with their bare feet – just as Greeks have done for many hundreds of years.”
The “fastest grape squasher” will win a prize, said Fr Alexandros, but the children who take part will learn of the traditions of making “mousto” or grape juice the old-fashioned way, just as their forefathers used to do.
Other entertainment includes traditional Greek dancing by the school students, a sausage sizzle and loukoumades will also be available.
St Nicholas Greek School was one of the first Greek schools in Melbourne, with 140 students currently enrolled from prep to VCE.
The festival will take place on Sunday 16 February. The zorbathon for children will start at 1.00 pm and for adults at 1.15 pm. The grape squashing, which is exclusively for the children, begins at 1.40 pm.
