Oakleigh’s Eaton Mall was abuzz with life on Holy Saturday, as Greek Australians gathered to soak in the Easter spirit, stock up on traditional sweets, and enjoy each other’s company in the lead-up to the Resurrection service.
The pedestrian strip, known as Melbourne’s most iconic Greek precinct, was filled from end to end with locals seeking freshly baked tsourekia, koulourakia, and last-minute festive goods.
The atmosphere was electric, as families, friends, and shopkeepers shared smiles, coffee, and anticipation for Easter Sunday.
“This year, with Orthodox and Catholic Easter falling on the same weekend—and with the weather on our side—it really feels like Easter,” several community members told Neos Kosmos, while shop owners estimated the influx of people in the area was in the thousands.
The night before, Greek Orthodox churches across Australia were packed for Good Friday services. As the faithful participated in the solemn Epitaphios procession, Melbourne, Sydney, and other major cities saw their streets overflow with candlelit crowds, a powerful expression of devotion and remembrance.
Neos Kosmos was there to capture the energy and colour of the day, offering a photographic glimpse into a community where faith and festivity go hand in hand.
