Oakleigh marks 25 March with Greek Independence Day Festival

Melbourne’s own ‘Little Athens’, Oakleigh, celebrated 25 March in style; with scores from the broader Greek community alongside philhellenes descending on the suburb to revel in the festivities.

Vicinity Centres launched its inaugural Greek Independence Day Festival at Oakleigh Central, and residents certainly turned out in force to take it all in.

The festival’s organisers explain, “Greek Independence Day is celebrated every year to commemorate the start of the 1821 Revolution, it’s an important date for the Greek community, and it’s for that reason this festival’s being held at Oakleigh Central.”

In an outstanding celebration of culture and community, live music, traditional dance, cultural performances and the debut of a pop-up market in the Centre saw visitors come together and share in the spirit of Hellenism.

Offering handcrafts, drinks, appliances and more from eight stalls across the Centre, the market was reportedly well received by festival-goers on their day out.

For over four decades Oakleigh Central has operated as a hub for both locals and visitors to the area, offering fresh food and a range of retailers, it’s become a meeting point for the community.

“We’re very proud to host this celebration for the Greek community, which brings together the best elements of local Greek culture, food dance and family fun,” says Oakleigh Central centre manager Christine Hill.

“The date has become a mainstay of the event calendar and our local retailers; customers and the wider community really love it.”