Grey skies weren’t enough to discourage Melbourne festivalgoers over the weekend, with thousands turning out to enjoy Oakleigh’s Greek Glendi.
Organised by the Greek community of Oakleigh and Oakleigh Grammar, the event saw two days of music, dance and food unfold in the heart of Australia’s biggest Greek community.
Though Greekness was at the heart of the festivities, the underlying theme of the glendi was ‘unity through diversity’, showcased on Saturday with a number of cultural groups taking to the stage.
Sunday’s events kicked off with a church service at Oakleigh’s Agion Anargyron, followed by a parade by the students of Oakleigh Grammar.
A blessing was delivered by Bishop Iakovos of Melitoupolis, with City of Monash mayor Cr Paul Klisaris commencing the day’s speeches.
Oakleigh Grammar students bearing the Australian and Greek flags.
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh and District, Angelos Sardellis, also said a few words, followed by Peter Cummins, deputy principal of Oakleigh Grammar.
Present on the day were a number of political representatives, including Federal Member for Higgins Kelly O’Dwyer, representing Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull; Premier of Victoria Daniel Andrews; Member for Chisholm Anna Burke representing Opposition Leader Bill Shorten; Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimpoulos; deputy leader of the Liberal Party, David Hodgett and Ross Alatsas, deputy chairman of the VMC.
Dancing groups on stage celebrate Greek culture and entertain the crowds.
Concluding the day’s speeches was the Consul General of Greece in Victoria, Christina Simantiraki.
A wreath-laying ceremony followed at the Cenotaph in honour of OXI Day and World War II.