Thousands of people descended at Darling Harbour to celebrate the Greek Independence Day while also partaking in the annual festival events organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) during the weekend of March 20 and 21.

The NSW government had a strong presence in the festivities headed by the Premier Kristina Keneally who officially confirmed the state’s contribution of $50,000 to GOCNSW for the funding of the Festival.

It should be noted that it is the first time ever that the NSW government provides funding for GOCNSW annual Festival.

The Greek weekend events were kicked off on Saturday afternoon with folk dancing, choir performance and a concert with Greek singer Stathis Raftopoulos.

The commemoration of the Greek Independence uprising against the Ottoman Turks on March 25 1821 was celebrated on Sunday morning with the traditional parade of students from the schools run by the Community, followed by the placing of wreaths.

For yet another year, however, the Greek community of NSW commemorated the Independence Day in separate events.

The Inter-Communities Council of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia started their celebrations with a doxology at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Theotokos at Redfern.

The ceremonial placing of the wreaths at the cenotaph of Martin Place was followed by a parade from students of Greek Orthodox Colleges and other parish schools.

His Eminence the Archbishop of Australia Stylianos spoke about the diachronic messages of the Greek Independence struggle in the presence of many State and Federal politicians.