Canberra embraced its Greek heritage this March, with the local Greek community marking Greek Independence Day through a series of events and symbolic displays across the capital.
Greek flags were prominently displayed from March 24 along key streets, including Commonwealth Avenue, Kings Avenue, and Canberra Walk.
On the evening of March 25, several iconic landmarks, including the Carillon Bell Tower, the National Museum of Australia, the Hellenic Club of Canberra, and Questacon, were illuminated in blue to honour Greek history and culture.
Although Old Parliament House was meant to light up, a light malfunction meant the Royal Australian Mint came to the rescue.
The Ambassador of Greece to Australia, Stavros Venizelos, and his wife Lara, had just landed from a busy schedule of Greek Independence Day events in Melbourne and Sydney and were able to enjoy the ‘light show’ until late into the night.
John Loukadellis, President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra, reflected on the celebrations, saying, “Canberra certainly turned it on with the blue last night. An extremely emotional moment seeing the first building light up blue and white, being the Royal Australian Mint, which was not on the original lighting program.”
Mr Loukadellis added, “On behalf of the Greek Community, I want to personally thank all the building and Canberra landmark facility departments for putting up with my requests and for their excellent cooperation. Last night was truly a proud moment for our community and in the Capital of Australia recognising Greek Independence Day in our own special way.”
Celebrations will continue on Sunday, March 30 with a church service at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Kingston, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Hellenic Australian War Memorial at midday. A festive luncheon will follow from 1pm, featuring live music from the Kefi Band and performances by the Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
The Greek community invites Canberrans and visitors alike to join in the celebrations, honouring the spirit of independence and the enduring contributions of Greek Australians to the nation’s cultural fabric.
