Brisbane’s Paniyiri Greek Festival gets set to turn 40 this weekend, and if the week-long anniversary celebrations are anything to go by, it’s sure to be a jam-packed weekend.
Chair of the Paniyiri Greek Festival Sub-Committee Chris Kazonis says the response has been “overwhelming”, with both the Greek and wider community getting behind the program, including the Paniyiri Fashion Parade, a Memorial Lecture on Alex Kondos, and an epic performance by Greek singer Antonis Remos, among others.
With the event now considered a “part of the fabric of the Greek communities, parishes and associations of south-east Queensland”, according to Mr Kazonis, it’s no surprise that it has become the city’s leading cultural event.
This weekend organisers are expecting close to 60,000 people, which will be led by this year’s official ambassador, the fabulous Effie Stephanidis.
The main stage will once again be located at Musgrave Park, where more than 20 hours of entertainment is sure to keep festivalgoers entertained from morning to night.
Returning once again will be Greek Dancing with the Stars and the famous ZORBA-THON.
And of course, no Greek gathering would be complete without an abundance of food. There will be over 30 food stalls that will aim to showcase the tastes, recipes and secrets of food from all corners of Greece.
There’ll also be a chance to snap up some cooking tips through the Paniyiri Cooking Program. Taking place at The Greek Club, some of the community’s most famous and loved cooks will take to the stage, including Jocelyn Hancock, the authors of Mediterranean Eating: Cook | Eat | Live Lisa Peterson and Desi Carlos, author of Breaking Bread Alice Vazanellis, and authors of Mezze Sia Aristidou and Chrystalla Tzaneros.
Also joining the panel of cooks will be representatives from the Asia Minor Greek Historical Society Incorporated, the Cypriot Youth of Brisbane, and carefully selected grandmothers from the community who will reveal their kitchen secrets.
In keeping with the food and drink theme, there will also be a chance to get involved with grape stomping, olive, honey puff and pasta eating competitions, and The Best Greek Coffee Barista Competition.
Oh, and you might even spot a familiar face in the crowd; joining Effie will be Home & Away stars George Mason and Philippa Northeast, House Rules twins Luke and Cody Cook, and My Kitchen Rules semi-finalists Zana Pali and Gianni Romano.
Since its inauguration in 1976, the Paniyiri has gone on to become Queensland’s signature celebration of all things Greek; an impressive feat considering it was started by a small, albeit passionate, group of Greek Australians in a bid to share their cultural traditions.
“This event is for the people of south east Queensland; without them, it wouldn’t be the success it is,” explains Mr Kazonis.
“Greeks are very hospitable and Paniyiri is no exception. We enjoy the sharing of our culture, flavour and sounds with the broader community, and the program is designed so there is something for everyone. I think people also connect with the not-for-profit aspect. The love of food and culture is all delivered by the volunteers – it’s the real deal.”
All funds raised will be donated to various charities, including aged care, disability, youth programs, and welfare.
To get yourself into the spirit before the big weekend, organisers have made their 40th Anniversary Paniyiri Cookbook available for download via their website, with 30 signature and Greek inspired dishes to choose from so you can cook up a Greek storm of your own at home.
The Paniyiri will take place on Saturday 21 May from 12 noon and Sunday 22 May from 10.00 am at Musgrave Park & The Greek Club, Edmondstone St, South Brisbane. Tickets are $10 adults (13+), $3 all pensioners and free for children. For more information, to purchase tickets and download the cookbook, visit www.paniyiri.com or call (07) 3844 1166.