The year has kicked off with a celebratory mood among Australia’s Greek community. Five major festivals are scheduled to take place this Sunday, February 12 in Melbourne, and Sydney.
Last weekend in Melbourne multitudes flocked the Federation of the Elderly carnival in Rye, and the Coburg Greek Festival of the Parish of the Intercession of the Lord and the Vasilopita Festival of the Florinian Association ‘Aristotle’ in Thomastown.
If one wants to experience Greek partying below is what you want to know about this Sunday’s events.
MELBOURNE
FESTIVAL OF AGIOS CHARALAMPOS PARISH
The program of events began Thursday, February 9 at 7pm with the Great Solemn Vespers officiated by the Archbishop of Australia his Eminence Makarios.
On Friday, February 10 for the feast of Saint Charalambous, there will be a divine liturgy presided by the archbishop at 7 am and Sunday begins with a divine liturgy at 7.30am. by Bishop of Sozopolis Kyriakos. After the liturgy, there will be a parish fair at the junction of Porter Street and Church Road. The event includes a music and dance program, rides for kids and a cornucopia of Greek delicacies.
MOORABBIN GREEK CARNIVAL
Fun for the whole family will be ushered with the customary Lent masquerade, or Apocries at the Greek Carnival of the Murabin Greek Community.
The carnival is set for Sunday at 57 Madden Road in Heatherton.
The main event, a masquerade parade starts at 4pm. The program is full all day of music and dancing, and for our little ones friends there will be petting farm with cute animals, a jumping castle and face painting.
Food, and drink includes gyros, souvlaki, drinks, soft drinks, and an abundance of loukoumades and other sweets.
GRAPE FESTIVAL
The Greek Orthodox Brotherhood Agios Paisios will hold its Grape Festival at Our Lady of Castlemaine this Sunday.
The church, located at 157 Blanket Gully Road, Campbells Creek, and will open its doors for the first time in 25 years thanks to the support of the Fotios and Anna Pavlos family.
Father Lefteris will hold his first service in this church between 9 and 11 am while at 11.30 am the blessing of the grapes will follow. A traditional feast will follow in the churchyard with food and musical entertainment by DJ Joe.
FESTIVAL OF THE BULL “AGIOS CHARALAMPOS”
An all-day celebration from 9 am until late, will be dedicated to Agios Charalambos, this Sunday by the Cultural Association of Agia Paraskevi Lesvos ” Taxiarchis”.
The Festival of the Bull revives a tradition that began in the middle of the 18th century during the Turkish occupation.
The event includes a parade of equestrians their graceful horses, which, according to custom, are decorated with beads, handkerchiefs, and colorful rugs.
Again like all Greek festivals there will be plenty of food, demonstrations by the Pegasos dance troupe, and live music by the beloved Greek and expatriate islander (from Naxos) Matthias Giannoulis who is currently touring Australia, accompanied by the traditional voice of Xenia Verra. Kostas and Makis Aristopoulos and Yiannis Sideris will also perform.
Location: Panagia Kamariani 135 Arthur’s Seat Rd, Red Hill
Admission: $15
SYDNEY
GREEK SUMMER FESTIVAL
Gogo Tsamba who is considered Greek musical royalty will sing at Sydney’s Greek Summer Festival organized by the NSW/Australian Territory of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.
The festival along with musical entertainment throughout the day includes cooking demonstrations with an appearance of celebrity expat chef David Tsirekas who, according to organizers, “will be cook Australia’s biggest Greek BBQ!”.
Over 100 stalls with products and food will jostle with, fireworks, games and activities for children, bouzouki and Greek island music.
Location: Carss Bush Park
Entrance: Free
