The Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria celebrated its annual Protomayia Festival on Tuesday at Maroondah Reservoir Park in Healesville.
The event, which has been organized for 24 years, was initiated by Sofia Mastoris OAM and continues to honour the tradition of Protomayia.
The festival was graced with beautiful weather, enhancing the joy and vibrancy of the day. Decorated with flowers, the park provided a picturesque backdrop for the festivities, which saw hundreds of people coming together to celebrate.
Participants engaged in traditional activities such as cracking red eggs and exchanging koulourakia and tsourekia, enjoying a delightful afternoon surrounded by nature.
A highlight of the day was a conga line led by Sofia, with women holding flower bouquets and baskets, dancing to music provided by DJ Joe Pappas.
The festival also paid tribute to the origins of May Day, commemorating the working syndicates in Chicago in 1886 who fought for fairer working conditions.
This historical event, which led to the establishment of the 8-hour work day, continues to benefit workers worldwide.
Despite being thousands of kilometers away from Greece, where May Day is a public holiday, the community in Victoria embraced and celebrated this time-honoured tradition with enthusiasm.
Several competitions were held, with awards presented to the winners.
Sofia Pandelidis received the award for best fashion/participation, while RITSA and Toula Sardelis were recognised for their outstanding dance performances.
Vera Angelopoulos was honored for attending every Protomayia event for the past 24 years.
To mark the occasion, an olive tree was planted in the park. Named ‘Ellada’ (Ελλάδα), this tree serves as a symbol of the enduring legacy of Greek culture in Victoria.
John Pandazopoulos, Chair of Parks Victoria, and former Victorian Minister, joined Sofia Mastoris and Mary Lalios in planting the tree, with assistance from park ranger Steve Johnstone.
Mary Lalios, the new President of the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria, expressed her gratitude for the successful event and her confidence in continuing the tradition for future generations.
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
