The Victorian Council for Greek National Day has announced that, for a second consecutive year, the annual Greek National Day Parade will return to a location within full view of the Shrine of Remembrance.
Following the tireless efforts of the executive team, the parade will once again be held in the heart of Melbourne’s commemorative precinct, reaffirming the enduring bond between Greece and Australia.
The 2026 Greek National Day celebrations will feature a series of significant events, including a commemorative service and a vibrant parade. This year’s program promises to honour the sacrifices of the past while celebrating Greek heritage with pride and enthusiasm.
EVENT 1: Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Doxology
- Date: 22 March 2026
- Time: 8:00 AM
- Location: Archdiocese Church of St Eustathios, 221 Dorcas Street, South Melbourne
EVENT 2: Greek Australian Commemorative Service – Shrine of Remembrance
- Date: 22 March 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM – 1:15 PM
- Location: Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance (in front of the Eternal Flame)
A solemn ceremony will be held at the Shrine of Remembrance to honour the longstanding friendship and military alliance between Greece and Australia. This exclusive event will be attended by a small delegation of dignitaries, underscoring the solemnity and significance of the occasion. A wreath-laying ceremony will be conducted to pay tribute to the shared history of service and sacrifice.
EVENT 3: Greek National Day Parade – Birdwood Avenue to the Australian Hellenic Memorial
- Date: 22 March 2026
- Time: 11:30 AM Arrival of Parade Participants | 1:30 PM Parade Start | 2:30 PM Conclusion
- Location: Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne (starting point) to the Australian Hellenic Memorial (end point)
Following the commemorative service, dignitaries and spectators will witness a breathtaking procession featuring Greek community organisations, schools, cultural groups, and veterans marching with pride. It is important to note that this parade will not take place on the grounds of the Shrine of Remembrance but will be held in its vicinity, ensuring that this significant landmark remains a central backdrop to the event.
As the parade proceeds past the Australian Hellenic Memorial, participants will pay tribute to the Australian and Greek heroes who sacrificed so much in forging and preserving our identities today. This moment will serve as a poignant reminder of the courage, resilience, and unity that define our shared histories. The parade will stand as a vibrant tribute to Hellenic culture and the contributions of Greek Australians to Victoria’s multicultural society.
EVENT 4: Flag Raising at Federation Square
- Date: 25 March 2026
- Time: 12:00 AM
- Location: Federation Square
On Greek National Day at midnight, the Greek flag will be proudly raised at Federation Square while
landmarks throughout the heart of Melbourne will be lit up in blue and white. The raising of the Greek flag on Greek National Day will serve as a powerful reminder of the Greek Australian community’s enduring presence and contributions to Melbourne’s cultural fabric.
The Victorian Council for Greek National Day extends a warm invitation to all Greek Australians and friends of Greece to participate in these special events.
