The Greeks know how to party – and proved it to Perth recently, flooding Russell Square with traditional delicacies, music and dancing.
The turnout was large, with nearly 10,000 people from all walks of life and cultural backgrounds getting a taste of Greek fun and cuisine.
The festivities began at 11.00 am and lasted until 8.00 pm, and included an attempt to hold the wold’s biggest and longest Zorba dance in Northbridge.
“The huge turnout really exceeded our expectations,” the event spokeswoman Despene Kalaf said.
All funds raised from the dance will be donated to the Fiona Wood Foundation, celebrating the Glendi’s 8th successful year in a row in the best possible way.
The festival was attended by City of Perth mayor Lisa Scaffidi, former West Coast Eagles player Andrew Embley with his wife Rayne, Perth MP Eleni Evangel, and Amy Zempilas.
Acclaimed chef Peter Manifis and celebrity pastry chef George Diakomichalis publicly shared their culinary secrets along with footballer Embley.
A team of women from the Castellorizian Cooking Group spent the past week baking at a local hall “to ensure there are enough traditional Greek sweet treats on offer,” making the festival’s chairman Peter Economis proud, as everyone who tried their recipes was impressed.
“These ladies are also holding cooking demonstrations throughout the festival,” Ms Kalaf said.
Apart from a set of live bands performing on the day, 13-year-old Anastasis Karamintzas, the local bouzouki virtuoso, wowed the crowd. Market stalls, a bar for the adults and a children’s funfair were also on offer.
The Cypriot Community, the Mytilenian Brotherhood, the Greek Orthodox community, the Pan-Macedonian Association, and the St Andrews Grammar School dance group put in a great deal of effort and devotion to make this year’s Perth festival the best and most successful so far.
For more information visit www.perthglendi.com.au.