What began as a humble parish fete in the 1960s has evolved into one of Melbourne’s most anticipated multicultural festivals: Oakleigh Glendi. Now drawing tens of thousands each year to celebrate Greek heritage and community unity, Oakleigh Glendi was held at Warrawee Park in Oakleigh on the first weekend of November this year.
The story of the Glendi begins with Father Nicholas Moutafis who founded the Saints Anargyri Greek Orthodox Church more than 60 years ago. His vision was to create a place where faith and culture could thrive together.
The church’s annual fete quickly became a neighbourhood highlight, bringing together generations of Greek migrants who worked hard to build a new life in Oakleigh. Over time, it grew into a major celebration, bridging OXI Day (28th October) with the Feast of Sts Anargyri on November 1.
A memorial to Father Moutafis now stands at the park, honouring the man who laid the cornerstone of Oakleigh’s Hellenic identity.
“His dream was to make Oakleigh a spiritual and cultural centre,” said Father Stavros Kakavas of Sts Anargyri Church. “It’s heartwarming to see that vision flourish.”
The Glendi has undergone many transformations over the decades. Once held in the church school grounds, it moved to Oakleigh’s Warrawee Park precinct 10 years ago, expanding into a full weekend of music, food, and festivities.
This year, organisers revived a beloved tradition by closing Atherton Street once again.
“We used to close the street years ago,” said Oakleigh Community Board Member Stacey Kalamatis. “Atherton Street closures stopped for a while, but this year, it’s back, and it feels like the old days.”
Multicultural celebration
While deeply rooted in Hellenic culture, Day 1 of Oakleigh Glendi is a festival for all.
Saturday’s program included multicultural offerings, such as Indonesian dancers Sanggar Lestari, the Oriental Sarayi Dance Group, and traditional Greek acts like the Cretan Brotherhood.
“Since the beginning, we’ve made sure the festival represents everyone,” said Sam Vassos, Treasurer of the Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh for the last 45 years. “We live in a multicultural society, and that’s what Oakleigh is all about.”
Oakleigh Community board member Jim Samargniogis could not agree more.
“I remember going as a kid to multi-faith concerts with Father Nicholas Moutafis and hearing him speak, he was a real leader and very multicultural,” he said. “We were taught as young kids to embrace all religions, and it was a great upbringing.”
Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, a former Oakleigh Cannons player, says the school is the “jewel in the crown” for the community.
“We have 40 different nationalities and on Greek Independence Day, our students from around the world march and celebrate Greece,” he said. “That’s the beauty of Australia.”
Local MP Steve Dimopoulos reflected on the festival’s role in uniting communities.
“I used to come here as a boy,” he said. “Back then, there was a bit of racism. These days, this festival builds belonging. It’s massive with generations of Greek Australians dancing together with the multicultural community joining in.”
A legacy that shines
Last year’s Glendi drew an estimated 40,000 visitors, and this year’s turnout was expected to topple that, helped by sunny skies and an ever-growing program of entertainment.
As fireworks burst above the crowd and Greek singer Christina Salti closed the weekend with her empowering ballad “Andras Einai Tha Perasei” (“He’s Just a Man, He’ll Pass”), the Glendi once again proved what makes it special, a festival born of faith, sustained by community, and shared with the world.
“It’s important to have festivals like this,” said Father Stavros. “They remind us who we are and how far we’ve come.”
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
