The first day of Melbourne’s 2023 Antipodes festival came to a show stopping zenith as crowds filled the intersection of Lonsdale and Russel Street to see renowned Greek vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti live.
An electric atmosphere precipitated what was an unforgettable show as the star took to the stage before an adoring crowd.
Melburnians descended on the spectacle regardless of creed, making for an attendance coloured by the multicultural ethos which is the cornerstone of the city’s identity.
The singer remarked that “Greece has come alive in Melbourne” as she regaled crowds in the interim between songs, stating that the event and its attendance was “a window into the heart and soul of Greece.”
Rain or shine the main stage performances added to the sense of Hellenic pride. Photo: Neos Kosmos
The Antipodes Festival returned to Melbourne's iconic Lonsdale Street on Saturday attracting thousands of Melburnians who danced with traditional Greek music. Photo: Neos Kosmos
The Antipodes Festival returned to Melbourne's iconic Lonsdale Street on Saturday attracting thousands of Melburnians who danced with traditional Greek music. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Through the day traditional dance group's wowed onlookers with the regional forms of Greece's folk traditions. Photo: Neos Kosmos
The Pontian dancers were one of the highlights of the day. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Impressive traditional Greek costumes stole the show. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Beautiful dancers in their impressing traditional costumes backstage. Photo: Neos Kosmos
South Melbourne young talent in unison. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Protopsalti captivated crowds with her heartfelt renditions as the night drew to a close. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Protopsalti thanked all those gathered earnestly, time and again for their show of support, which was plain to see had left a remarkable impression on the singer.
The intersection of Lonsdale and Russel street was positively packed, and while there were scant avenues for revellers to cut through the crowd and make their way to the festival’s sundry other attractions, Protopsalti’s performance captivated attendees like no other.
As the show went on, VIPs gathered at a cocktail party hosted at the GCM’s mezzanine floor at The Greek Centre where socialites rubbed shoulders and took in the sights and sounds of Antipodes 2023.
Victoria’s leader of the Opposition, John Pesutto told Neos Kosmos that he was “pleased to be at the Antipodes festival, what an exciting event it is for a range of reasons,” highlighting “the momentous impact Australia’s Greek community has had on our culture, our society, and on the world at large.”
The Opposition leader continued, “Melbourne as a city hosts the largest diaspora of Greek migrants anywhere in the world, I’m married to a Greek myself as I said in my comments to the crowds outside before” referring to his speech on the festival’s main stage, “something that I am very lucky to be able to say, and I am looking forward to coming back to this event next year.”
Crowds gathered en masse to take in the distinct cultural sights and sounds of Antipodes 2023. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Live Greek music on stage. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Live Greek music on stage. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Turning back time. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Props from the Ancient Greek photo stall. Photo: Neos Kosmos
The Greek Community of Melbourne volunteers. Photo: Neos Kosmos
The PRONIA volunteers. Photo: Neos Kosmos
AEK looking for juniors. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Bill Papastergiadis OAM with stall holders. Photo: Neos Kosmos
PAOK Melbourne with a strong presence. Photo: Neos Kosmos
School Students on stage. Photo: Neos Kosmos
Mr Pesutto clarified that Antipodes “Means a lot to Melbourne, and I’ll repeat what I said earlier today, that Greek Australians should not only enjoy and be proud of their own individual success, but they should also be proud of the fact that they created a pathway for all migrants that followed.”
“So I say to Greeks, thank you, for everything you’ve done for our great state, and out great country.”
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne, Bill Papastergiadis had this to say at the end of the event’s evening.
“The speeches are finished, and the main event is on. It’s a festival that really does attract all Australians to one place, the historical Greek centre of Melbourne.”
“With 85 stalls, 500 performers, three stages, food, music, drink; something for everyone.”
“And really it’s something that all of Australia embraces, we want all of you to be here with us, we appreciate the work of Neos Kosmos in working with us to bring this event to Melbourne, but really it’s an event for all of us, celebrating Hellenism at its best.”