Elion Society of South Australia celebrate annual dance and 2024 Paris Olympics

Festivities were thriving at the Elion Society of South Australia “The Olympic Flame” (ESSA) over the weekend, holding their annual luncheon in celebration of the society’s 52^nd anniversary. This year’s luncheon featured an extra element for celebration, with the anniversary serendipitously coinciding with the opening of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The Elion Society was founded in 1972 to represent the ancient region and city state of Elis (or Elia), which is located in the northwest of the Peloponnese and is the ancestral birthplace of the Olympic Games, with the ruins of Olympia laying in the region since the games were founded in 776BC. For over five decades, the Elion Society has preserved the rich cultural norms and traditions of this historic area of Greece.

President of the ESSA, Spiro Perdikoyiannis opened formalities at the luncheon by acknowledging the significance of the event and the society’s ongoing purpose.

“…[I]t’s appropriate, being our heritage of ancient Olympia and the region that we associate with our Syllogo (Society) that we also celebrate the beginning of the Olympic Games today. And it works very well with our seasonal beginnings…” Ms Perdikoyiannis said.

“…[whatever] walk of life, and all ages, keeping our faith and beliefs that we pass down from our grandparents, great grandparents [is important], and we want to pass it onto our kids to continue these beautiful civilisation and cultural activities, and the friendships that we have grown to love.”

After Mr Perdikoyiannis’ remarks, dancers from the ESSA dance group – dressed in the form of ancient priestesses – performed a procession of the lighting of the Olympic flame inspired by ancient tradition.

To accompany the traditional procession, there was an enactment of the lighting of the Olympic torch to begin the official Olympic Torch Relay, which is the relay that transports the flame from the ancient region of Elia to the city which is hosting the modern Olympic games.

SA Minister for Transport, the Hon. Tom Koutsantonis then addressed ESSA by highlighting the historical significance of the Olympic games, their cultural impact and the rich inheritance of the ESSA.

“…The Olympic games are on now and 2,800 years ago the ceremony that you saw, that began in Greece, is now playing out in Paris. And here we are in another country… looking back proudly at the heritage that we have given the world. We have given the world democracy, we have given the world government, we have given the world philosophy, we have given the world mathematics and science, and we gave them the Olympics,” Mr Koutsantonis said.

“The Olympic ideal is the pursuit of individual excellence, fitness and health, about trying to champion your city state, your area, your country to win gold. And during that pursuit of individual excellence, all the city states ceased war – such was the importance of the Olympics. And here we are, celebrating, watching our young children dance, while we watch them, we maintain our faith, our culture, and our language.”

Following the speeches, formalities, and captivating performative dances, attendees were warmly invited to come together and partake in the festivities, celebrating their shared culture through music and traditional dances.

The event was filled with lively conversations, laughter, and the joyous sounds of traditional music, creating a vibrant and “kefi” filled atmosphere. Guests left the event feeling not only culturally enriched but also deeply connected to their roots and to one another, fostering a renewed sense of community and pride in their shared heritage.

The newly elected members of the ESSA committee includes: Spiro Perdikoyiannis – President, Lambros Giannacopoulos – Vice President , Loiza Karamanis – Treasurer, Athena Wallbank – Secretary, Dora Fitos, Katina Giannou, Theo Giannacopoulos , Kathy Kontos, Loula Mihalopoulos, Christen Perdikoyiannis and Theo Sylaidis.

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos.