The Semaphore Greek Festival kicked off on Saturday, with warm and sunny weather as expected, attracting crowds in a full-day celebration of Greekness and community spirit by the beach.

Organisers released a statement that “it was an unforgettable day filled with laughs, cheers, and community spirit,” reflecting on day one of the weekend event.

DJ Apostal started warmed festivalgoers with his tunes at 11 am, before the ‘Who Loves Pita’ competition marked lunchtime festivities.

SA Premier Peter Malinauskas interacting with festivalgoers and volunteers. Photo: Peter Malinauskas/Facebook

The official opening ceremony started in the afternoon, with South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas in attendance.

“What an extraordinary legacy,” he wrote on socials in a follow up post to his visit.

Family-friendly competitions, plate smashing, and traditional Greek dance shows, ensured fun for all ages. Photo: Semaphore Greek Festival/Facebook

“This joyful celebration is another reminder of the spirit of friendship, family and festivity of our Greek community, and is shared so generously with all South Australians.”

It followed a highlight act of the day, with Tom, Dante and Esava from Port Adelaide Football Club hosting competitions on stage, including Greek plate smashing and Port Power trivia.

George Diakomichalis hosted an audience discussion with Port Adelaide players on stage.

The Enosis Band, featuring singer Hara Dimitriou, got everyone on the dance floor with their evening live music performance, with attendees calling it a day at around 11pm.

There were plenty of shaded spaces set up at the festival’s grounds. Photo: Semaphore Greek Festival/Facebook

The two-day lineup features Greek school dances, including from St George College, the Messinian dance school, Port Adelaide school dance groups and Greek dance academy, the Cretan Association and Pontian Brotherhood of SA.

Now in its 44th year, the Semaphore Greek Festival prides itself for having secured a slot in South Australia’s multicultural calendar.

Volunteers from all walks of life help prepare the goodies for foodies served at the event, like yiros, spanakopita and loukoumades. Photo: Semaphore Greek Festival/Facebook

Organised by over 300 volunteers of the Greek Orthodox Community of the Nativity of Christ, Port Adelaide & Environs, the festival is supported by the Department of Premier of the Government of South Australia, the Port Adelaide Enfield Council and private sponsors.

Proceeds from the event support community projects and the preservation of Greek heritage.