Greek communities throughout Australia are preparing to celebrate Greek Independence Day on Monday March 25.
The date marks the beginning of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821 resulting to over two centuries of freedom for Hellenes.
The events, honouring the 203rd anniversary include memorial services, liturgies, wreath laying ceremonies and feasts where numerous politicians, diplomats and representatives of community organisations will come together to honour the fallen.
In Victoria the Pammessinian Brotherhood of Melbourne “Papaflessas” is hosting a gala event on March 23, featuring the 65th Annual Independence Day Greek Dance at St Kilda’s town hall ballroom. The evening will include a live performance by Omados, a Melbourne band known for their traditional Greek dance music.
On March 24, the Hellenic Museum in the city will host a free family festival, Glendi, celebrating Greek National Day. There will be live entertainment by Anagennisi, Manasis Dance and Pontiaki Estia; a meet and greet with players from Heidelberg United; food and drinks by The Hellenic House Project, St Gerry’s Greek Desserts and Melvourni Coffee; market stalls featuring Thematikos and Golden Groves. There will also be a live radio broadcast on 3XY celebrating the station’s 30 years.
Oakleigh Central also announced the return of its Greek Independence Day celebrations for 2024, spanning three days from Saturday, March 23 to Monday, March 25.
The local festival promises to showcase a rich tapestry of Greek culture and community spirit, featuring live music, traditional dances, and retailer promotions throughout the centre.
Building on the turnout for their 2023 event, this year’s festivities will include a Greek pop-up market, with local businesses specialising in Greek cuisine.
Oakleigh Central centre manager Sascha Schubiger expressed the centre’s commitment to delivering excellence for its customers and its pride in being an integral part of Oakleigh’s Greek community.
“For over four decades, Oakleigh Central has been a cornerstone of the community, offering fresh food and essential services,” said Schubiger.
“The Greek Independence Day Festival holds a special place in our calendar, providing a platform for our retailers to engage with new customers and collaborate in delivering another unforgettable experience this year.”
This year’s Greek National Day parade and main event will take place on Sunday, April 14, at 1pm at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.
The main celebrations have been moved as March is cluttered with events such as Labour Day, Children’s Marathon, Grand Prix, and Catholic/Protestant Easter.
The 2023 parade, which was held on the same date as the Children’s Grand Marathon and in the same week of the Grand Prix, resulted in a significant traffic problem and confusion regarding access to the stadium and parking of vehicles.
In New South Wales, after a five-year hiatus, the Sydney Greek community will march to the Sydney Opera House on March 24 to commemorate Greek Independence Day. The day will begin with a memorial service at Martin Place, followed by a march to the Opera House. This year’s events are particularly significant as they mark the first march since 2019.
Various community organisations in NSW, including AHEPA NSW, will host events throughout the week to honour the occasion, including memorial services, wreath-laying ceremonies, and cultural performances.
Following a memorial service and wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph in Martin Place, the crowd, guided by officials, will follow the much-anticipated march to the Opera House, which returns after five years.
There will also be a formal service involving speeches from notable attendees as well as entertainment in the form of dancing performances from various groups and community organisations.
The main leg of AHEPA NSW will hold its own event on Wednesday, March 27, 7pm. at AHEPA NSW Hall while another function will be held by the combined committee of AHEPA NSW grand and districts lodges – AHEPA Australia on Friday, March 29, 12.30pm at the Greek Community Club in Lakemba.
In Queensland, Brisbane Greeks will gather at The Greek Club’s grand ballroom on March 25 for a community event hosted by the consul general of Greece in Queensland, George Mastrocostas.
The open community event at the The Greek Club’s will take place at 6pm and will allow people to engage with consular staff and learn more about Greek culture.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to see the Evzones Collection by Nick Bourdaniotis – a tribute to the Greek Presidential Guard.
The photography collection has been displayed around the world, to honour and preserve Greek cultural heritage for future generations.
This year’s event will be the first with Mastrocostas as the honorary consul general of Greece in Queensland.
Mastrocostas was appointed to the role on January 5, where he’s tasked to strengthen the cultural, economic and social ties between Greece and Queensland.
“I am privileged to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Greece in Queensland, and facilitate such gatherings that invites the community to come together and celebrate the rich cultural heritage and enduring spirit of Greece,” Mastrocostas said in a media release sent to Neos Kosmos.
“This event symbolises the strength of international ties and the importance of diplomacy in our ever-changing world.”
Mastrocostas also serves as a board director for the Hellenic Initiative Australia and is head of private development and construction company Aniko Group.
The Greek Orthodox Community of SA Inc (GOSCA) in South Australia will begin commemorations with a liturgy and doxology at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael & Gabriel in the morning of March 24, followed by a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the cathedral courtyard.
The celebration will continue at Olympic Hall from 12pm with a special lunch and traditional dance performances by GOCSA Dance Academy students.
In Australian Capital Territory, the Hellenic Club of Canberra at Woden is holding ‘Greek Week’ featuring a variety of events celebrating Greek culture, including food specials, performances, and screenings.
The ENDOURO Fight Series on 23 March feature two headlining Greek fighters followed by a screening of the Greek theatre show – Omorfi Poli (with English subtitles) on Sunday, March 24, and on Monday, March 25, there will be performances by the Hellenic Dancers and Kefi Band.
On Sunday, March 30, the Greek community in Canberra will begin the formal festivities with a church service at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, then a presentation of poems and a song from students of the Greek School of Canberra. Commemorations will conclude with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Greek War memorial at 12pm.
