Greek communities across Australia are gearing up to celebrate Greek Independence Day on Tuesday, March 25.
This special day is a double celebration commemorating the start of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in 1821, as well as the Annunciation of the Theotokos. It is a time for Greeks to come together and represent their culture, heritage and faith through various festivities.
With a wide variety of events planned to mark the occasion, The Greek Herald has a rundown of what’s happening around Australia.
New South Wales:
In New South Wales, there are several celebrations taking place.
On Sunday, March 23, the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW) in conjunction with the Parishes-Communities of NSW of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, will be holding a Greek Independence Day celebration.
At 10.30am, a Doxology Service led by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of Our Lady in Redfern will be held. From 1pm, there will be a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony at the Martin Place Cenotaph, Sydney, followed by a student parade to the Sydney Opera House. At 2.30 pm, everyone will enjoy a festive cultural program and speeches at the Opera House.
Amongst council celebrations in Burwood, Canterbury-Bankstown and Marrickville, AHEPA NSW will also be holding its annual Greek Independence Day event on Wednesday, March 26. The event will be held at AHEPA NSW Hall in Rockdale from 7pm.
Victoria:
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day has confirmed the highly anticipated return of the annual Greek National Day Parade to a location within full view of the Shrine of Remembrance.
As The Greek Herald first reported, after tireless efforts by the new executive team, the parade will once again be held in the heart of Melbourne’s commemorative precinct, reaffirming the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
The 2025 Greek National Day celebrations will feature a series of significant events, including a commemorative service, a vibrant parade, a cultural festival, and a flag-raising ceremony.
The Greek Australian Commemorative Service will be held on Sunday, March 23 from 12.30pm – 1.15pm at the Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance (in front of the Eternal Flame).
The Greek National Day Parade will be held on the same day from 11.30am (Arrival of Participants) and 1.30pm (Parade Start), concluding at 2.30pm. This will take place at Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne (starting point) to the Australian Hellenic Memorial (end point).
Melbourne’s Hellenic Museum will also host a free Greek National Day Glendi on Sunday, March 23, from 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm. The Glendi will include a full day of family-friendly activities, live performances by Anagennisi, Manasis Dance, and Ancient Hoplitikon, and delicious food and drinks from The Pontian Club, St Gerry’s Greek Desserts, and Melvourni Coffee. The event will also feature a Thematikos market stall.
South Australia:
The Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia will once again honour the historic 1821 Greek Revolution with a series of commemorative events on Sunday, March 30.
The day will begin at 11.00 am with a celebratory Doxology at the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel, conducted by the Community’s clergy. A number of official guests, along with the GOCSA Executive and Supervisory Committees, teaching staff, and students, will be in attendance.
Following the service, the celebrations will continue at the church’s courtyard, where a memorial service and wreath-laying ceremony will take place in front of the war memorial.
At 12.00 pm, the Community’s Greek schools will host a special student event at the Olympic Hall, featuring the Greek Dance Academy, songs, poems, and short sketches celebrating the heroic stories of the 1821 uprising, followed by a performance from the Dance Academy.
Food and drinks will be available for all attendees.
Australian Capital Territory:
In honour of Greek Independence Day, the nation’s capital is also putting on a series of events to celebrate.
The Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra is hosting a special Greek Independence Day luncheon at the Hellenic Club of Canberra in Woden on Sunday, March 30, at 1pm.
This festive event will feature a delicious 2-course meal, with only vegetarian options available in observance of Lent.
Guests will be treated to live entertainment by the talented Canberra Hellenic Dancers and the lively Kefi Band, making for an unforgettable afternoon of music, dance and culture.
