This year’s Oakleigh Glendi surpassed all expectations regarding attendance and community participation. The sun shone drenched the event and all who came to enjoy a weekend of Greek music, dance, food and drink.
The president of the Greek Community of Oakleigh, Chris Damatopoulos, was delighted when he spoke to Neos Kosmos and said he had foreseen a success; however, it was much more; it was a “triumph.”
“The turnout exceeded all our expectations,” Christos Damatopoulos, president of the Greek Community of Oakleigh, told Neos Kosmos.
“Not only were there many people, but the Diaspora are enjoying it, which gives us great joy.”The two-day Glendi categorically upheld that in this Greek-dominate area, Greece is here,” Mr Damatopoulos added.
Before the panegyric fervour, a service was held at the church of Agioi Anargyroi for a doxology commemorated the anniversary of OHI day on October 28, which was presided over by Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopol.
The Glendi festivities then commenced with a parade by Oakleigh Grammar students and the laying of wreaths in respect for the Greeks and allies who sacrificed all in World War II.
Among the many VIPs present at the Glendi were Minister for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles, Minister for Sports and Events and Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto, Consul General of Greece Emmanuel Kakavelakis, President of the Greek Community of Melbourne Bill Papastergiadis, President of the Union of Communities and Parishes Antonis Tsourdalakis, and numerous others.
This year marks Oakleigh Glendi’s fervent comeback after a hiatus due to the pandemic in recent years. Thousands from the Diaspora flocked to Oakleigh’s Warawee Park on Saturday and Sunday, where a two-day festival unfolded, continuing until Sunday afternoon. The Glendi showcased a diversity of Greek musicians, Greek folk-dance groups, roving troubadours, and a competition for loukoumades (Greek doughnuts), as well as a raffle for two round-trip airline tickets to Greece.
Consul General of Greece Emmanuel Kakavelakis laying a wreath. Photo: Con Deves
Federal Minister for Multicultural Affairs Andrew Giles laying a wreath in commemoration for Ohi Day – at the Glendi. Photo: Con Deves
Opposition Leader John Pesutto laying a wreath for October 28 Ohi Day commemoration at the Glendi. Photo: Con Deves
President of the Greek Community of Melbourne laying a wreath. Photo: Con Deves
The Glendi retained the authentic tastes, aromas, and sounds of Greece in Oakleigh. It featured an open-air fête with numerous stalls, offering visitors the chance to purchase Greek handicrafts, along with an array of Mediterranean food and beverages.
And, for the adults, there was a bar that served all the essential things, like Greek beers, tsipouro, masticha, and ouzo.
More photos below:
