This year, the Greek Community of Melbourne’s (GCM) Language and Culture Schools chose to celebrate OXI Day in a different way.
The celebrations centred around the theme of “peace,” which is particularly relevant given the current global challenges.
The event highlighted the historical ties that unite the Greek people and the ANZACs, emphasising the Greek Australian friendship.
The celebration began with a parade of students, followed by the singing of the Greek and Australian National Anthems, the raising of the Greek flag, and the laying of a commemorative wreath.
The stories and lessons of the day were presented through a traditional Greek shadow theatre called Karagiozis. The performance, titled “Karagiozis in the Battle of Crete,” combined humour, tradition, and history, which made it a fun and enjoyable way for children to understand the events.
The teachers then took the stage and presented the poem “Peace” by Yannis Ritsos to the students and parents, reversing the usual show of student performances.
The emotionally charged event concluded with the touching song “If all the children of the earth.”
