Fairfield is preparing to come alive with the sights, sounds and flavours of Greece, as the suburb gets ready to host its first ever Philhellenika Festival next month.
Federal Labor MP for Cooper Ged Kearney expressed her excitement for the new cultural celebration during its official launch last Wednesday at Nikos Fairfield, describing it as an initiative that perfectly reflects the character of Melbourne’s north.
“Greek is the most widely spoken language at home after English in the electorate of Cooper, and that shows everywhere around us. From our amazing food and seniors’ clubs to our political life, our beautiful homes and the community we’ve built, we are truly lucky here,” Kearney told Neos Kosmos.
She added that the Philhellenika Festival “beautifully captures the spirit of our community. In Cooper, we’re proud to support one another and celebrate together. Today’s event reflects everything that makes our community so special.”
Among those attending were many members of the Greek and wider community, including Darebin Councillor Emily Dimitriadis, a long-time supporter of Hellenic cultural initiatives.
Tradition at the heart
Festival founder John Ghionis, dressed as an ancient Greek for the launch, to the delight and applause of the crowd, explained that the event was created to showcase the enduring Greek presence in the area.
“Greek tradition and hospitality will take centre stage next month in Fairfield, when we host the first ever Philhellenika Festival, a new initiative we hope will become an annual celebration for our local Greek community,” he said.
The festival will be held on Sunday 16 November in the Station Street car park, transforming central Fairfield into a lively hub of Greek culture, music and cuisine.
“The heart of Fairfield has been beating Greek for years,” Ghionis said.
“Thousands of Greeks live in the wider area, and I thought it was time to create a festival that highlights our music, dance and food.”
Supported by the Fairfield Traders Association, the Philhellenika Festival aims to bring together the Greek and broader Australian community through a vibrant program of live performances, traditional dance and authentic Greek flavours.
“Our goal is to create a celebration that unites people of all ages and backgrounds, a true festival of Greek spirit in Fairfield,” Ghionis added.
Unity and community at the heart of the festival
Yianni Poupouzas of Nikos Fairfield said everyone involved is hoping the festival “starts strong and grows bigger and better each year.”
Neos Kosmos publisher Chris Gogos also welcomed the initiative, noting that the Darebin region is home to thousands of Greek Australians who deserve their own cultural event.
“It’s a festival that will highlight our community’s rich cultural heritage. Neos Kosmos is proud to support every such initiative,” he said.
The launch event concluded in a warm, festive atmosphere, with guests enjoying Greek meze, drinks and live music by the band from Spitaki.
The upcoming Philhellenika Festival Fairfield promises to bring a true taste of Greece to Melbourne’s north, an event its organisers hope will grow into a lasting tradition that unites, inspires, and celebrates the enduring Hellenic spirit.
