Now in its 45th year, the Semaphore Greek Festival returned to the foreshore from January 16 to 18, marking a significant milestone for one of South Australia’s longest-running cultural celebrations and reaffirming its place as a cornerstone of the state’s multicultural calendar.
Set against the backdrop of the Semaphore jetty and the Gulf St Vincent, the festival unfolded under perfect summer weather, with clear skies, warm evenings and sea breezes creating an ideal setting for a weekend of celebration. The aroma of charcoal-grilled souvlaki drifted across the sand, bouzoukia echoed by the water’s edge and families, friends and visitors gathered along the foreshore to share in Greek food, music and tradition.
Organised by the Port Adelaide Greek Orthodox Community (PAGOC), the Semaphore Greek Festival remains a proudly non-commercial, volunteer-driven event, guided by the mantra «Όλοι Μαζί» (All Together). More than 300 multi-generational volunteers once again dedicated countless hours to delivering an authentic community experience, ensuring that every dish, dance and performance reflected genuine Greek heritage while welcoming the wider South Australian community.
Crowds reflected the festival’s continued growth, with organisers estimating total attendance approaching 50,000 people across the weekend.
The celebrations began on Friday, January 16, with Bouzoukia by the Sea, headlined by Greek singers Kelly Kelekidou and Nikos Zoidakis, setting the tone for the weekend ahead before the festival officially opened to the public on Saturday and Sunday.
Official opening and funding announcement
Saturday evening’s official opening ceremony brought together community, government, diplomatic and church leaders, with Peter Malinauskas formally opening the festival and announcing a major new funding commitment.
The official opening ceremony was guided by Master of Ceremonies, George Diakomichalis, alongside youth representatives Dion Konithari and Andrea Briggs, who welcomed guests and speakers and led the formal proceedings.
Addressing the crowd, the Premier praised the intergenerational effort behind the festival and its role in passing on language, values and culture while fostering inclusion.
“It always impresses me when I come here to see not just volunteers working, but families of volunteers – from the oldest generation through to the youngest,” he said.
Mr Malinauskas announced that, subject to re-election, a Labor Government would increase annual funding for the Semaphore Greek Festival from $30,000 to $50,000, alongside $200,000 in guaranteed funding over four years.
“When we invest in events like this, we are choosing to ensure South Australia remains one of the most inclusive, multicultural and peaceful societies in the world,” he said.
Greek community praised for shaping Australia’s multicultural identity
Federal Minister Mark Butler also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the Greek community’s long-standing contribution to Australia’s social and cultural fabric.
“A big reason Australia is the best country on Earth is our multiculturalism,” Mr Butler said. “And the Greek community did so much to build that – not just by numbers, but by showing how culture can be shared while embracing a common future.”
He said festivals such as the Semaphore Greek Festival exemplified the model of multiculturalism that has shaped modern Australia, where communities celebrate their heritage while contributing to a shared national identity.
The Consul General of Greece in South Australia, Alexandra Theodoropoulou, described the festival as “Greece by the sea,” praising the strong participation of young people, the dedication of volunteers and the consistent support of the South Australian Government.
His Grace Bishop Silouan spoke of the festival as a celebration of life and virtue, emphasising the importance of community, inclusion and passing values to younger generations.
Mayor Claire Boan reaffirmed the City of Port Adelaide Enfield’s long-standing support, noting the festival’s more than four decades at Semaphore and its place as a flagship community event.
The opening ceremony was also attended by a broad cross-section of federal, state and local representatives, including Jing Lee MLC and Tom Koutsantonis MP, alongside community leaders and invited guests.
Festival leadership highlights unity
Addressing the crowd during the opening ceremony, President of the Port Adelaide Greek Orthodox Community, John Douvartzidis, welcomed attendees and reflected on the festival’s guiding ethos.
“This weekend, we gather in celebration of Greek culture, heritage and the values that have been carried across generations,” he said.
Reflecting on the festival’s wider meaning, he added, “It’s not just about the Greek community, it’s about all communities.”
He explained that the theme «Όλοι Μαζί», also understood as standing together, had been developed months earlier but had taken on added significance in the current climate.
“Festivals like this remind us that even in difficult times, hope, culture and community endure,” he said.
Music, dance and family celebration by the sea
Across Saturday and Sunday, the festival showcased the richness and diversity of Greek culture through an extensive program of live music, dance and interactive competitions. DJ Apostal kept the atmosphere lively throughout the day, while crowd favourites such as the Who Loves Pita, Loukoumades, plate-smashing and What-A-Melon competitions drew laughter and enthusiastic participation.
Dance performances by the Messinian Dance School of South Australia, the Pontian Brotherhood of South Australia, the Cretan Association of South Australia, the Greek Lyceum of South Australia and the Port Adelaide Greek Dance Academy highlighted the depth of regional Greek traditions preserved within the local community.
Live music from the Bill Moutzouris Bouzouki School of Music and the Enosis Band, featuring Paras Siasios, carried the celebrations late into the night, with spectators dancing by the foreshore as the sun set behind the jetty.
Festival-goers also took part in the weekend raffle, with a range of major prizes awarded. The first prize was two return air tickets from Adelaide to Athens, followed by a $2,000 cash prize for second place. Third prize was a Klipsch New York Music City Series speaker, generously donated by Harvey Norman – Gepps Cross, while fourth prize was a case of Esilio Wines.
Families gathered along the waterfront, children danced near the stage and long communal tables filled with friends old and new – a fitting reflection of a festival that continues to grow while staying true to its community roots.
As the music echoed across Semaphore and the scent of Greek food lingered in the evening air, the 45th Semaphore Greek Festival once again demonstrated the power of culture, community and togetherness – όλοι μαζί – by the sea.
