Put on your best dancing shoes and work up an appetite for Greek delights, because Lonsdale Street’s famous Antipodes Festival, Australia’s largest Greek event is coming to Melbourne this weekend.

Running from Saturday 25 to Sunday 26 February, live performances, DJs, culture and cuisine abound. There’ll even be a baklava-eating contest for those with a particularly developed sweet tooth.

Speaking to Neos Kosmos, Greek Community of Melbourne president Bill Papastergiadis sent out an open invitation to all Melburnians.

“Welcome to the 35th Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival,” Mr Papastergiadis proclaimed “This year we’re proud to announce an action-packed lineup full of fun for the whole family to enjoy!”

He continued “To be Greek, is to be proud. Proud of our heritage, our language and our history, proud of out culture and our values.”

“At the heart of this pride is the joy we find in celebrating together.”

Photo: Supplied

“Since its inception, the Antipodes Festival has brought together friends and family to experience Australia’s largest celebration of Greek culture; in what is Australia’s largest Greek speaking city.”

“We encourage you all, to come and enjoy what the Antipodes Festival has to offer, come and see the music and dance from our talented musicians and performers.”

Highlighting this year’s new entertainment, like hilarious skits for all ages courtesy of Karagiozis shadow puppets, the GCM president took care to note the keynote performance of this year’s festival, renowned vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti.

“We guarantee, she’ll stun crowds with her amazing performance.”

Put on your best dancing shoes, this weekend’s set to be a big one. Photo: Supplied

Mr Papastergiadis concluded by saying “as always, I’d like to thank everyone who comes and supports the Festival, without you and your dedication, it just wouldn’t be the same.”

Leo Vlahakis, the GCM’s Community Outreach and Cultural Programs Chair shared his excitement about Protopsalti’s upcoming performance.

“We’re honoured that Alkistis will be performing at this year’s Antipodes, after all she’s an artist with more than 40 years’ experience in the industry.”

“She’s successfully cultivated a following from all walks of life, we’re certain it’ll be a show-stopping performance, the atmosphere is going to be electric,” he enthused.

Preparations for the weekend are reportedly in full swing, with vigorous work taking place behind the scenes to bring new elements and attractions to the renowned glendi.

Alkistis Protopsalti’s performance is sure to be a showstopper. Photo: Supplied

2023’s shaping up to be a big one.

80 stalls, three stages hosting over 17 hours of music and dance performances, cooking demonstrations, the much anticipated Karagiozis shadow theatre as well as various competitions with prizes to be won and of course; impromptu street performances by revelers.

Not to mention the ‘Zorba ‘Till You Drop’ competition, carnival rides and extended opening hours for attendees to be able to enjoy the strip’s famed Greek eateries.

As the cultural arm of the GCM, Antipodes sees Melbourne’s Greek quarter transform into a giant street party, free to all comers.

It’s the perfect way to celebrate the vibrant multiculturalism of Melbourne while exploring the beauty of Greek culture.

When: Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 February from 10am to 11pm and 10am to 10pm respectively.

Where: The Festival is held in the City of Melbourne’s historical Greek quarter precinct on Lonsdale Street between Swanston Street and Jones Lane (West of Exhibition Street) and Russell Street between Little Lonsdale and Little Bourke Street.

Don’t miss the Karagiozi shadow theatre shows! Photo: Supplied

For your convenience find a short itinerary listing some (but not all) of Antipodes’ standout attractions and their relevant stages below

Saturday:

Main Stage – Zorba Til’ You Drop 12:30pm, Bagpipes of Greece – A Dance Group Collaboration 6:10pm, Alkistis Protopsaltis 8:50PM

LoveLonsdale – Oikogenia Anastasiadis 3:45pm, Cats and the Canary 5:20pm, Demotika 8:45pm

A&A Holdings – Melbourne Bellydance 11:35am, Sophia Kiriakidis Greek Classical Guitar Solos 1:15pm, Dio Patrides Band 7:15pm

Sunday:

Main Stage – St Johns School Band 1:05pm, Canberra Hellenic Dancers 3:00pm, The Cultural Centre of Florinians “O Aristotelis” 4:45pm

LoveLonsdale – Rythmos 11:00am, Totally Kicking Brass (TKB) 5:20pm, Heirs of Apollo 7:15pm

A&A Holdings – Valia Gianinska     12:40pm, Gales Edge | Electric 3:20pm, Agapi & Friends 7:50pm

For a comprehensive program of the weekend’s events visit antipodesfestival.com.au/program/