Neolea, in collaboration with the Panarcadian Association of South Australia “O Kolokotronis,” hosted a cooking workshop last Sunday at the Panarcadian Hall, bringing together over 60 guests to celebrate Greek culinary traditions.
The event was part of the “Syllogo Initiative,” a project by Neolea aimed at supporting and promoting Greek clubs and associations while ensuring the preservation of regional cultural knowledge across generations.
Attendees were treated to a captivating cooking demonstration by Panarcadian member Nitsa Mihalopoulos, who shared her expertise in making homemade hilopites (χυλοπίτες), a traditional Greek square-shaped pasta. Mihalopoulos guided participants through the multi-day process, from kneading the dough to drying the pasta, highlighting the communal aspect of the tradition, where villagers—particularly women—would gather to prepare large batches for the year. She also shared anecdotes, including how boys would stomp on the dough to knead it, illustrating the scale and significance of the practice.
While time constraints prevented full hands-on participation, guests observed the kneading process firsthand and had the opportunity to feel the dough at various stages. The demonstration concluded with attendees enjoying generous servings of hilopites, served with a rich kokkinisto sauce, filling the hall with its inviting aroma.
The event concluded with a panel discussion facilitated by Anastasia Mavrides and members of the Panarcadian Association. The discussion explored the role of Greek associations in modern society, focusing on intergenerational knowledge-sharing and the importance of preserving cultural traditions.
Panarcadian Association Treasurer Chris Karahalios emphasized the importance of passing down cultural heritage, stating: “Everyone in this room has a connection to Greece. It is vital that we teach our children and grandchildren about our heritage—our food, our dances, and, of course, our language. If we lose these, our culture slowly fades, making it harder to pass on from one generation to the next.”
Local Ward Councillor and Panarcadian Association Committee Member Cr Zoi Papafilopoulos echoed this sentiment, highlighting the role of older generations in preserving traditions.
“Our elderly members hold the key to safeguarding traditional customs, recipes, songs, and stories that might otherwise be lost,” papafilopoulos said.
“It is crucial to learn from them so they can pass down this knowledge to younger generations, ensuring our cultural heritage remains vibrant. The energy and passion of Neolea in facilitating this process is inspiring, and their dedication ensures our traditions will continue to flourish.”
For further information or to book a spot at future events, contact Georgina at 0411 115 169.
