On a blistering Sunday in Melbourne’s north, the large air-conditioned hall was welcome respite from the outdoor heat.
The inaugural Cyprus Community Northern Suburbs’ Melbourne Food and Wine Festival in Thomastown, drew crowds well beyond expectations. The outdoor area was transformed into a pulsating celebration of faith, joy and entrepreneurial grit.
“We were expecting over 1,000 in foot traffic but we got more,” organiser Marina Katsianis said.
“The main purpose of this whole event is to get the community connected, bring the youth in. We wanted everyone to see what Cypriot culture is.”
Delivered in partnership with Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish in Thomastown, the festival was anchored in church life. Parish volunteers moved seamlessly between tasks, and the Philoptochos ladies fried loukoumades with practised rhythm, a reminder that in this community, culture and Orthodoxy move together.
“We make loukoumades every Sunday at the church,” they said. “You must come.”
Planning had stretched back months, with intensity building in the final weeks.
“Full on the last couple of weeks,” said Angeliki Christou, wife of community president John Christou. “Doing the shopping, making sure you have enough volunteers. We do taverna nights at a soccer club in Thomastown but this is at a different level.”
Her verdict? “It was successful, but we ran out of food.”
On stage, dance troupes representing Cypriot, Florina and Pontian traditions brought colour and movement, while live sets from Stephanos Pelekanis, flown in from Cyprus, kept the energy high and the dance floor full. Applause gave way to circle dancing; by mid-afternoon, spectators had become participants.
Yet beyond the music and official speeches, another story was unfolding in the stall areas.
Many stallholders weren’t running full-time businesses. They were teachers, bankers, parents and students testing ideas between work shifts and school pick-ups.
Sophia Vasiliadis, who works at a bank, launched her home-based cake venture, Made with Love by Sophia, just months ago.
“I love making cakes,” she said, explaining that her range of dairy-free and vegan options was inspired by her brother’s intolerance. “It’s my first event and people don’t know me well.” Her layered tsoureki and tiramisu were highlights.
Matthew and Krystal Dionysiou, both teachers, showcased educational toys through their brand Dex and Lani.
“We’re lifelong learners and passionate to see kids play,” Krystal said. Their busy books and wooden toys blended pedagogy with practicality, a classroom philosophy turned small business.
Perhaps most striking was 13-year-old Alexia, who created her own swimwear label Alexsea, after struggling to find designs that made her feel comfortable.
“I decided to fix this problem by designing my own swimwear for teens like myself,” she said.
Determined not to compromise on quality, she added, “I will not release it unless it’s perfect for everyone.”
Even those without stalls travelled distances to be part of it. “I live an hour and a half drive from Moorabbin because my friends are here,” said Anastasia, born in Paphos. “Things like this keep us together.”
Official support underscored the festival’s significance. Speeches were delivered by Cyprus Community Northern Suburbs Melbourne president John Christou; State Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP; Member for Northern Metropolitan Evan Mulholland MP; Victorian Minister Lily D’Ambrosio MP; Federal Minister Andrew Giles MP; and Cyprus High Commissioner to Australia Antonis Sammoutis.
Also in attendance were The Honourable Theo Theophanous, President of the Cyprus Community of Melbourne and Victoria, Father George of Transfiguration of Our Lord Parish, and representatives from Apostolos Andreas Sunshine.
But beyond the VIP list, the real success lay in the atmosphere: frappe foam whipped high (“The secret is in the froth,” smiled Mary Lalios), teenagers pulled into dance circles, elders nodding along to familiar melodies.
