Thousands of Greek Australians have flocked this weekend to the Antipodes Lonsdale Street Greek Festival, but not only Greeks enjoyed the atmosphere and events.
People of many backgrounds have been seen partaking in the festivities, be it tourists or Melburnians.
In particular Antipodes sees a large number of Asian, South Asian and more enjoying what’s on offer.
The food in particular seems to be the biggest draw card – who doesn’t love a good gyros or souvlaki? Our food is not just for us. it seems
Amol, 26, from India loved the chicken souvla from The Cypriot Kitchen.
“My girlfriend and I saw the festival and thought to check it out,” he said.
“It seems like a fun time for Greeks, but we really like the food.”
On the performance stage, the hosts make a point to remind the crowd that this festival celebrates Greeks and brings the Greek community together. However, not just the Greek community but Melbourne as a whole. One big multicultural hub.
People of many backgrounds can be seen walking up and down Lonsdale Street, even friend groups made up of different cultures.
Samuel, 22, an Anglo-Australian, was brought along by a Greek friend.
“I’m originally from coastal New South Wales and we don’t have this up there,” he said.
“I’ve become friends with Greeks, Turks, Lebos, all that since I came to Melbourne six years ago, and I like seeing how connected a lot of them are with their homeland, even if they’re born here.
“Our Greek friend here, Mike, he brought us. We planned to catch up and do something this weekend and he dragged us along. Nah, but it’s good here.”
Along with a mix of cultures meeting up in the Greek Aussie heartland, are people of all ages too. Antipodes is full of fun for the entire family, but this year the youth seem to be the focus.
Like on many occasions, the Karagiozis Shadow Puppets were back, bringing the laughs for not just the kids, but their parents and other adults too.
Many performances on stage involved young music acts and dance groups, and there were stalls with activities and educational resources for the kids.
The hosts on the main stage, interacted with many kids from the crowd, with them winning giveaways for the family.
One kid who spoke Greek, was born in Malaysia, further showing the festival’s power to bring together people of not only of Greek background, but others too, and of all ages.
The Antipodes Festival has been running for 35 years, and like always, the Greeks of Melbourne (and elsewhere) get together to celebrate being Greek and what it means to be Greek.
As the years go by, we see more and more of mixed groups attend, as the festival evolves to bring together all of Melbourne, and as the new generation of Greeks age up, it becomes theirs.
