Canberra came alive with the vibrant sights, sounds and flavours of Greece over the weekend as the National Multicultural Festival once again showcased the rich Hellenic culture through the much-loved Greek Glendi.
Held from Friday, February 7, to Sunday, February 9, the event was a resounding success, drawing thousands of festival-goers eager to experience Greek hospitality, traditional performances and authentic cuisine.
The festival’s Greek presence was powered by dedicated volunteers from various community organisations, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all attendees.
The Philoptochos Ladies from the local St Nicholas parish and members of the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts (GOCCC) delighted the crowd with freshly made loukoumades, while the Canberra Olympic Football Club wowed festival-goers with their succulent lamb souvlakia and lamb souvla. Meanwhile, volunteers from the Cyprus Community of Canberra and ACT served up grilled halloumi and olive pites, providing a true taste of Cypriot tradition.
The Greek Glendi was officially opened on Sunday, February 9, by Attorney General and ACT Minister for Government Business Tara Cheyne MLA, a longtime supporter of the event. Also in attendance were ACT Multicultural Affairs Minister Michael Pettersson MLA, Ambassador of Greece to Australia His Excellency Stavros Venizelos, and High Commissioner of the Republic of Cyprus to Australia, Antonis Sammoutis, who addressed the crowd with inspiring speeches. John Loukadellis, President of GOCCC, was also present.
The opening coincided with International Greek Language Day, adding a meaningful cultural dimension to the celebrations.
Entertainment was a highlight of the Greek Glendi, with the Canberra Hellenic Dancers captivating audiences with their spirited performances. Their dazzling display of traditional Greek dance left spectators cheering, while the beloved local Greek band KEFI ensured the festival atmosphere remained electric with their infectious live music.
As the National Multicultural Festival wrapped up for another year, the Greek community reflected on a weekend filled with joy, community spirit and cultural pride. With its overwhelming success, anticipation is already building for next year’s Greek Glendi, promising yet another unforgettable celebration of Hellenic heritage in the heart of Canberra.
*All photos supplied by John Loukadellis.
