Melbourne’s 35th Antipodes Festival drew to a close Sunday night following a triumphant two-day festival of all things Greek that saw more than a 100,000 descend on Melbourne’s Greek precinct to dance, eat and celebrate.
Touted as one of the biggest iterations in the festival’s three-and-a-half-decade history, with 84 market stalls dishing out meals, products and information to revelers, the historic Greek heart of Melbourne came alive with the spirit of Hellenism.
More than 70 hours of entertainment across three stages entertained attendees, as did the various carnival rides, competitions and cultural demonstrations.
Young children and families alike were captivated (and likely left in stitches) thanks to traditional ‘Karagiozi’ shadow theatre, while onlookers were wowed by the famed hoplites of antiquity standing guard over the festivities.
Stilt walkers, street bands, impromptu dancing circles and a generally gleeful atmosphere became the talk of the town at the weekend.
But perhaps most notable of all, was the headline performance of Greece’s renowned vocalist Alkistis Protopsalti, whose show-stopping appearance had a crowd 10,000 strong dancing the night away.
Government representatives, from all levels, were there over the course of the weekend, who expressed their support for the festival which has become a Melbourne institution.
At the official opening of festivities on Saturday night, Mr Emmanuel Kakavelakis, Consul-General of Greece to Victoria led the addresses by stating “It gives me immense pleasure and a sense of pride, to be here at the official opening of Antipodes Festival 2023.”
Calling it “An event that has become an institution of celebration for Victoria’s Greek community, serving as a unique occasion to share our heritage.”
Victorian Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Colin Brooks, shared his enthusiasm for the festival saying “It’s fantastic to be here tonight, on behalf of Premier Andrews.”
“This is a wonderful representation of our multicultural community,” he noted.
Adding “The Greek Community feels like a family to me, it’s just so good to be at these events.”
Minister Brooks announced the Victorian government’s commitment to provide the festival with $200,000 in funding per annum for the next four years, “in recognition of the magnificent work this festival does for our community”.
Federal Minister for Immigration and Citizenship, Andrew Giles, represented the Prime Minister and said “Today is about celebrating Greek culture and the extraordinary contribution of Greek Australians to not only this city, but our country.”
“I bring to the festival the best wishes of the Prime Minister and I want to acknowledge the magnificent work of Bill Papastergiadis and everyone at the GCM.”
“The return of the Antipodes Festival has demonstrated in its own right how important this event is,” he added.
“So, I want to thank the Greek Community of Melbourne for sharing their culture with us,” urging all assembled to simply “enjoy Antipodes!”
Leader of the State Opposition, John Pesutto, told the crowd of his own migrant roots in his speech.
“What a tremendous gathering today,” he began, informing attendees that his own parents arrived in the 1960’s as migrants from Italy.
“While I have an Italian background, I want to promise you that I have done my bit for Greek relations,” he continued “my wife Panayiota is here today, and we send out kids to Greek school.”
“My ‘koubaro’ is Greek,” Mr Pesutto made clear, “my senior staff is Greek… what more can I do for you to prove that I love you?” he quipped.
“The influence of your ancestors is in everything we do; Greek migrants created a path for everyone who followed.”
“You have created a fantastic community, and Melbourne is you!” he concluded.
Federal shadow Minister for Community, Migrant Services and Multicultural Affairs, Jason Wood, thanked the GCM for their continued commitment to the organisation and hosting of Antipodes Festival.
The City of Melbourne’s Deputy Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece, took to the podium with characteristic enthusiasm.
“It’s my pleasure to be here on the best day of the year, with the Antipodes Festival in full flight, celebrating everything that’s so wonderful about Greek Melbourne.”
“This festival, and this place, is home to so many remarkable stories and memories for so many of us,” he went on.
Touting Antipodes as “a great tribute to the Greek diaspora of Melbourne.”
Representing Archbishop Makarios, Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis extended his greetings to festival goers.
Noting the role Antipodes plays in attracting people from all walks of life, the bishop praised the festival for “highlighting our rich culinary delights, our traditional music and dancing and alludes to our rich Greek history and our Orthodox faith.”
“May our Lord, Jesus Christ always look kindly upon you and your families, and best wishes and blessings from his Eminence Archbishop Makarios for a blessed and holy lent. God bless you!” he concluded.
In a video message broadcast on the big screen of the festival’s mainstage, Greece’s Minister for Tourism Vassilis Kikilias addressed his ‘Fellow Greeks in Melbourne’.
“It’s with immense pride that I greet you today from the motherland,” the address began.
“You’re a gem for this country, highlighting our values, traditions, history, faith and language in the best way.”
“An example not only for Greece but for the entire world, and I must say you have set the bar high!” he proclaimed.
“You are an inspiration to everyone, and we are enormously proud of you.”
And finally, GCM President Bill Papastergiadis, took to the microphone to conclude the official ceremony.
“There is no better way to celebrate multiculturalism than with this festival,” he affirmed, “no better way to enjoy our beautiful cosmopolitan city.”
“There’s no better showcase of Hellenism globally,” he claimed, providing the figures to back up his assertions.
“But this festival is more than numbers and figures, at the heart of this festival is the coming together of our Hellenic family, in the celebration of its values, customs and traditions alongside our broader Australian society,” he stressed.
“Melbourne is bathed in blue and white, creating memories and moments that I believe, will last lifetimes.”
A true celebration of diversity, culture and community; here’s hoping the Antipodes Festival will continue to highlight the city of Melbourne’s calendar for many years to come.
