The Greek Orthodox Community of St George is getting ready to host Brisbane’s biggest cultural event, with more than 60,000 people expected to turn out for the two-day Paniyiri festival.

Organisers have ensured Musgrave Park will be like stepping into Little Greece. Adding to the atmosphere will be over 30 food stalls showcasing the tastes from various regions of Greece, music, dancing and the introduction of The Plateia where festival-goers can gather to enjoy a bite and take in the sights.

This year also marks 40 years since the Hellenic Dancers first took to the stage at the event back in 1977, and celebrating dancers who have been a part of the group throughout the years will return and take to the stage for a special performance.

Among the entertainment will be Australia’s best bouzouki player, Nick Paras, singer Paraskevi Kontoleon, and the Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
Attendees will also have the chance to get involved with Greek Dancing with the Stars, ZORBA-Til-You-Drop, grape stomping, and olive eating and honey puff eating competitions.

Meanwhile, for those interested in learning more about Greek cooking, the Greek Club will be hosting an impressive cooking program headlined by Sweet Greek author Kathy Tsaples.

She will be joined by authors of Mezze Chrystalla Tzaneros and Sia Aristidou, Mediterranean Eating: Cook, Eat Live’s Lisa Peterson and Desi Carlos, and author of Breaking Bread Aliki Vazanellis.

The 40th Anniversary Paniyiri Cookbook has also been reissued featuring over 40 pages of much-loved recipes and is now available for free via the event’s official website.

Meanwhile if you consider yourself to be a whizz in the kitchen you can take part in Brisbane’s Best Baklava Competition, or compete to find out if you’re the best Greek coffee barista.

Paniyiri 2017 takes place on Saturday 20 May from 12 noon, and Sunday 21 May from 10.00 am at Musgrave Park and The Greek Club (Edmondstone Street, South Brisbane, QLD).
See Paniyiri on Facebook for all up-to-date information. Tickets: $12 adults (13+), $5 all pensioners, children free. Two-day pass $20. For tickets and to download the Anniversary Cookbook for free, visit paniyiri.com or call (07) 3844 1166. Tickets can also be purchased at the door.