VIC

VIMA Greek Dance Party

Immerse yourself in an exhilarating night featuring non-stop Greek dancing from every region of Greece, including Crete, Epirus, Makedonia, Pontus, Thessaly, Thrace, and more.

There will be no performances, no speeches, no raffles, no start-stop dancing between meals, just a pure celebration of Greece’s diverse traditional dancing.

Rhythms will be curated by talented DJs who will blend beats seamlessly with live musicians, for a fusion capturing the essence of each region.

An inclusive event for all skill levels, from the seasoned dancer to those taking their first steps into Greek dance. Join in the more common dances or explore the less familiar ones- the choice is yours.

When: Saturday March 16, 6pm to 1am Sunday morning

Where: Rock Art Events, 118 Rokeby Street, Collingwood Victoria 3066

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1163872


My Grandfather Papaflessas

The Pammessinian Brotherhood “Papaflessas” are hosting a free screening of 2022 documentary My Grandfather Papaflessas to coincide with the annual celebration of Greek Independence Day.

The film tells the story of one of the most influential figures during the Greek War of Independence, Archimandrite Grigorios Dimitrios Dikaios-Flessas, popularly known as Papaflessas.

Directed and written by his great granddaughter Kleoni Flessa, it follows in his footsteps in Greece, Turkey, Romania and Ukraine, where he travelled to Constantinople in the age of Enlightenment and romanticism.

Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis will speak at the event and offer his insights into Papaflessas and his contribution to Greek Independence.

When: Sunday March 17, 5pm

Where: Cnr of Kalamata Lane and Gooch Street, Thornbury Vic 3071

Info: venuedoor.com/event/papaflessas


65th Annual Greek Independence Day Ball

Join Papaflessas as they celebrate 203 years of independence and freedom of the Greek people that begun in Kalamata on March 23 1821.

A night of Greek music, dancing and celebrations featuring OMADOS live, with Stavroula Thomopoulos.

OMADOS line-up includes Joseph Tsombanopoulos on vocals, gaida and laouto, Thomopoulos on vocals, George Athanasakos on clarino, Paddy Montgomery on laouto and violin and Zois Tzikas on percussion, performing traditional folk and dance music from Greece.

With guests of honour the Consul General for Greece in Melbourne Emmanuel Kakavelakis and from the Hellenic Republic Theodoros Livanios, Deputy Minister.

Book now to not miss a spot next week.

When: Saturday March 23, 6pm

Where: St Kilda Town Hall, 99A Carlisle St, St Kilda VIC 3182

Bookings: venuedoor.com/greekdance/event/stkilda


NSW

Modern Greek Discussion

Modern Greek language in Australia has undergone extensive transformation over the last decade, as part of a broader generational decline in the number of Greek-language speakers and eroding spheres of use.

At secondary and tertiary levels, this sustained period of decline paints a bleak picture not just for Modern Greek, but also across language learning in Australia as a whole. But has our attention been focused on an antiquated sense of language, community and self?

Two events will be held that addresses this issue, featuring Professor Joseph Lo Bianco, author of the National Policy on Languages (1987), and of the book Pharos: The Vitality and Presence of Modern Greek in Contemporary Australia (ACER Press, Melbourne 2021).

Speaker Series: Is there a future for Modern Greek language in Australia?

Themis Kallos, executive producer, Greek Language Programme on SBS Radio will MC the free event.

When: Thursday March 21, 6pm-8pm

Where: Marrickville Pavilion, Patyegarang Place, 313 Marrickville Road Marrickville, NSW 2204

Bookings: Here

Then on the next day, Greek-Australian Society (GAS) and Pharos will hold Modern Greek Roundtable w/ Prof Joseph Lo Bianco AM.

When: Friday, March 22, 12pm-3pm

Where: Piato Restaurant, 123 Blues Point Road McMahons Point, NSW 2060

Bookings: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/gas-pharos-modern-greek-roundtable-w-prof-joseph-lo-bianco-am-tickets-855196885907


Greek Ceramics Exhibition

“I love working with clay so much because it always teaches me something about life: if you stretch it, it breaks. If you rush it, it cracks. If you force it, it collapses. If you slowly mold it and allow it to become what it wants to be, it will work with you, much like life.” – Eva Boleti

Drawing from her Greek heritage, Eva Boleti weaves a narrative rich in cultural symbolism, where each clay sculpture speaks of tradition.

From braided hair clay sculptures to the protective evil eye, and terracotta dipped in the Aegean blue glaze, her creations transcend mere functionality, inviting inclusion into a tableau of storytelling.

As guests immerse themselves in Eva’s sculptures, the ambiance resonates with the soulful melodies of the rebetiko, echoing the essence of Greek folk music.

The opening day indulges the palate with a selection of the finest Greek wines, from crisp Asyrtiko to robust Xinomavro, ensuring an authentic celebration.

When: Sunday March 24, 3.30pm-6.30pm

Where: The Wine Library, 18 Oxford St, Woollahra NSW 2025

Info/free register: www.wine-library.com.au/blogs/news/greek-ceramics-exhibition-with-artist-eva-boleti-sunday-24th-march


A Tribute to Stavros Kougioumtzis

The Greek Festival of Sydney presents this tribute Irene Vacondios & Sotiris Procopiou.

Timeless Songs of Stavros Kougioumtzis: From the 1960s through to the nineties, Kougioumtzis wrote timeless classics for Greece’s most prominent vocal artists; Dalaras, Alexiou, Vissi, Mpithikotsis, Moscholiou, Parios, Mitropanos and more.

He also collaborated with poets and lyricists; Virvos, Tsotou, Papadopoulos and Eleutheriou, transforming generations through a musical legacy of wealth.

When: Sunday March 24, 7pm

Where: The Great Club, 160-164 Livingstone Rd, Marrickville NSW 2204

Bookings: tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/e1909bad-044c-4c70-ac65-cd7020000709


SA

Greek Independence Day Memorial Service & Celebration

The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA) are celebrating Greek Independence Day.

Festivities will begin at 8am with a Liturgy and Doxology at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael & Gabriel, followed by a Memorial Service & Wreath Laying ceremony to be held at the courtyard of the Cathedral at 11am.

The celebration will continue from 12pm at Olympic Hall and will include lunch (available to purchase on the day), songs & poems from students of GOCSA’s Greek Schools and traditional Dance Performances by GOCSA Dance Academy.

When: Sunday March 24, 8am

Where: Archangels Cathedral Greek Orthodox Church – GOCSA, 286 Franklin Street, Adelaide, SA

Info: Here


ACT

Greek Week 2024

To celebrate the Greek Independence Day (25 March) this year, Hellenic Club of Canberra are holding a Greek Week.

With many opportunities to be immersed in all things Greek from food, wine, music, performances and more.

Schedule:

Daily: Restaurant Greek food specials, Greek $5 Cocktail Ouzotini, Cafe Greek Sweets and free Koulourakia (Greek biscuit) with every coffee purchase

Tuesday 19th: Greek Themed Trivia Night – 7pm

Wednesday 20th: Greek Wine Tasting – 6pm, Loukoumades (Greek Donut Honey Balls) 11am-2pm & 4-7pm

Thursday 21st: Fillos Greek Night with DJ Stav

Friday 22nd: Greek Wine Tasting – 6pm, Loukoumades (Greek Donut Honey Balls) 11am-2pm & 4-7pm

Saturday 23rd: ENDOURO Fight Series: Two Headlining Greek Fighters – 6:30pm

Sunday 24th: Greek Theatre: Omorfi Poli (with English subtitles) – 3pm

About – A theatrical production that celebrates the essence of freedom. Omorfi Poli (beautiful city) written and directed by Akis Kastelloriou , is based on the true story of the Polytehneio.

The play is not “touching” the political aspects of that era but with respect unfolds in front of the spectator’s eyes, the torture, the pain the agony, the fight of survival. It is a drama that will move you, will make you think, will touch your heart. It’s a drama that hymns Respect and Freedom.

Monday 25th: From 5:30pm: Hellenic Greek Dancers Performances, Kefi Greek Band Performances

Info: www.hellenicclub.com.au/whatson

Bookings for Omordi Poli: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1185872