Melbourne’s Greek Independence Day parade marking the celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821 will return to the city this year on Sunday, 19 March at 1pm.
Held at Albert Park’s Lakeside Stadium this year for the first time in its history, the parelasi will once again grace the city after a three-year absence owing to pandemic restrictions.
The highly anticipated event will see droves of attendees arrive from Greek diaspora communities across the state, alongside philhellene allies.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia will be in attendance and both State and Federal Governments have been invited to the procession.
Customarily celebrated in Greece and Cyprus on 25 March, the holiday was officially established in 1838 by royal decree of King Otto, the first monarch of the Kingdom of Greece.
25 March also marks the feast day of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, in the liturgical calendar of the Greek Orthodox church.
Speaking with Neos Kosmos, Chair of the Victorian Council for Greek National Day, Tony Tsourdalakis, conveyed his enthusiasm about the commemoration’s return.
“I’m very excited that the Hellenic community of Victoria will be given the opportunity to partake in yet another parade, especially as it’s been three years since it was last held.”
Mr Tsourdalakis explained that while the logistics of hosting the parade at Lakeside Stadium did present novel challenges, he’s confident the community will embrace the new venue.
“There were hurdles we had to face seeing as the Grand Prix will take place two weeks after the parade, but we’ve overcome those; this new location will bring with it a lot of positives.”
He notes among those that all attendees and participants can now be seated under cover, while students and participating organisations will be able to watch the festivities once they’ve completed their march.
“In the past when held at the Shrine of Remembrance, our participating schools would take part and then head off home, now with this new location they’ll have the opportunity to take a seat and appreciate their efforts.”
This year’s parade will, for the first time include opening and closing ceremonies.
Over 55 schools and organisations have registered to take part at the time of writing, that number is expected to grow to at least 60.
Mr Tsourdalakis highlights the significance of this year’s events for the students of our Greek community’s schools “especially those preps, grade ones, twos and threes who wouldn’t have had the opportunity to take part in the last three years.”
“The meaning of our schools’ participation is immense,” he stresses, “it gives us an opportunity to look back and honour our ancestors, the heroes of 1821.”
He says that by taking part, “it spurs our young to ask their parents and teachers, why am I here, what is the significance, ‘τι σημαίνει χίλια οκτακόσια είκοσι ένα?’ (what does 1821 mean).”
“And it’s important to note, this isn’t just a patriotic occasion, it’s religious significance marking the Annunciation should be remembered.”
Mr Tsourdalakis also conveyed warm thanks to Mr Nikolaos Maikousis, President of South Melbourne FC for their work in securing the stadium as the site of the parade.
A doxology for the Εθνική Παλιγγενεσία (National Rebirth) will also be held on 19 March, at the Cathedral of St Eustathios, patron saint of the of the archbishop; while on Saturday 18 at 12:30 pm a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Shrine of Remembrance.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day invites all to join in the anniversary celebrations.
For more information you can contact the organising committee at greeknationalday@gmail.com.