Ahead of the Antipodes Festival on Lonsdale Street in Melbourne, Victoria this weekend (February 22 – 23), The Greek Herald asked influential Greek Australians to share their favourite memories from the past.
Peter Mousaferiadis, Cultural Infusion CEO
The Antipodes Festival has been an integral part of my life as both a performer in events dating all the way back to the Eighties, but also seeing the role it has played in my children’s lives. I was filled with immense pride, not only because my daughter Liz was on stage, but also to see how my children embraced their Greek ancestry. The Antipodes Festival has, in many ways, contributed to my children becoming more Greek than me.
Jenny Mikakos, former health minister and lawyer
My favourite memory of the Antipodes Festival was being in the crowd, watching my hero and Philhellene, Gough Whitlam, give a lengthy and detailed speech about Greek history and its significance to Western civilisation – without a single note.
Peter Stefanidis, President of the Pan Macedonian Association of Victoria
For me, Antipodes had a golden age of creativity and exploration when Akrites Tou Pontou performed collaborations with Aboriginal, Māori, Armenian, and Assyrian artists (2016–2020)! This is where Antipodes shone brightest. Our culture is so immersive that we are able to showcase examples of cultural fusion, which has always been at the heart of Hellenism and is why it exists to this very day. Antipodes is the only festival that has offered a platform for such moving moments.
Kris Pavlidis, former mayor, community advocate, and consultant
Apart from engaging with prime ministers and heads of state at the Antipodes Festival, I have also enjoyed a few family moments, such as watching my daughter connect with her culture. I am sharing a photo of Zoe amongst an Epiroti and a Maniati. As part Kalamatiani and Pontian, she is well prepared. Another proud moment was watching my son, Christopher, share a duet with Anthea Sidiropoulos and sing “Poso s’agapo.”
Bill Kavellaris, architect
In 1994, my parents ran a souvlaki stand at the Antipodes Festival. My sister, friends, and I worked together, enjoying visits from friends and relatives. The festival united our community, and I cherished every moment of that camaraderie and connection.
What is your favourite Antipodes Festival moment? Share a picture or leave a comment under this article on our social media.
This year’s Antipodes festival is being held on Saturday, February 22 to Sunday, February 23. For more details visit: www.antipodesfestival.com.au
