The Queensland Government will continue support for the state’s largest cultural event, the Paniyiri Greek Festival.
The festival, now in its 48th year, is expected to attract more than 50,000 people and will be held at the Greek Club in South Brisbane as well as Musgrave Park in West End.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of St George, the two-day event is also Australia’s longest-running Greek festival and will be held on 18 and 19 May this year.
Visitors can expect Zorba dancing, plate smashing, honey puff eating competitions, and a pop-up Greek village.
There will also be cooking demonstrations, food stalls and cafes serving up a scrumptious variety of Greek delicacies.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs and second-generation child of Greek parents, Charis Mullen, said Paniyiri was an immensely significant event on Queensland’s multicultural calendar.
“I’m so proud of my Greek heritage and, like thousands of Queenslanders, absolutely love Paniyiri.
“Queensland is a proudly multicultural state.
“We speak hundreds of languages and come from all corners of the globe, and it’s festivals like this that bring us all together to proudly share our multicultural heritage.
“Our vision is to see a unified, harmonious and inclusive Queensland and I’m proud to represent a government committed to supporting multicultural communities to showcase their culture and thrive.
“I can’t wait to visit Paniyiri with my family this year and would love to encourage everyone to put it in your calendars.
“You don’t want to miss out.”
Paniyiri Organising Committee Chair, Chris Kazonis OAM expressed that it was a fantasitc outcome for Paniyiri and Queensland’s Greek community, the southeast of the state in particular.
“As the largest multicultural festival in Queensland, the support of the Miles Labor Government is invaluable.
“This is one of the nation’s biggest festivals to showcase our food, music and art, and Australia’s longest running Greek festival.
“It’s time to dine, dance and party like a Greek.”
