Under a bright autumn sun that felt more like a Mediterranean spring, the Hellenic Women’s Federation of Victoria hosted the annual Protomayia Festival on May 1 at All Nations Park in Northcote.
The celebration, rooted in Greek tradition as both a tribute to nature’s renewal and to workers’ rights, drew hundreds from across Melbourne’s Greek and wider community.
The day began with a minute of silence in honour of the late Sofia Mastoris OAM, the Federation’s founding president, who passed away in January. It marked the first Protomayia without her—25 years after she organised the inaugural event. Her son, Nonda Mastoris, helped coordinate the day’s proceedings, keeping her spirit alive through community and celebration.
Among the official guests were federal MP Ged Kearney and state MP for Northcote Kat Theophanous, both of whom joined in the dancing and festivities. Also in attendance was veteran Neos Kosmos journalist and community leader Claire Gazis OAM, whose long-standing involvement in the Federation traces back to its inception at the offices of Neos Kosmos.
In her address, Kearney reflected on the day’s dual meaning: “Protomayia is a celebration of community, cultural pride, and workers’ rights—values deeply rooted in both nature and the labour movement.” Theophanous echoed the sentiment, saying, “Beyond the flowers, Protomayia is about family. It’s about the ties that bind us—across oceans and generations.”
The park bloomed with flowers, balloons, and traditional music by DJ Lefkios. The Federation provided homemade sweets including tsourekia, tiropites, and shamishi, lovingly prepared by committee members.
Highlights included a traditional dance with flower baskets, prizes for best dressed and best dancers, and awards for the youngest and oldest attendees.
– Best dancers were Anthoula and Antonia
– Best dressed were sisters Alexandra and Elizabeth
– Eldest person in attendance was Elizabeth Williams at 91 years of age and when asked which gift would you like to choose – she chose the wine which drew laughter and suggestions that it’s the secret to a long and healthy life.
– Youngest person was Amalia
Winners of best dancing – Antonia and Anthoula.Claire Gazis reminded the crowd of the international history behind May 1, citing the 1886 workers’ strikes in the US and the Eureka Rebellion in Ballarat as foundational moments in the labour movement.
Though local Darebin councillors could not attend due to the recent passing of Cr Gaetano Greco, the City’s support was acknowledged.
As flowers and tradition filled the air, the day was a vibrant reminder of the enduring power of Hellenic culture and community.
