Melbourne cancels Greek Independence Day March this year

·

The Organising Committee for the Celebration of the Greek National Day in Victoria has officially announced the cancellation of the Greek Independence Day March for 2021.

The march was scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 21 at the Shrine of Remembrance in Victoria.

The Organising Committee said it was in the “unpleasant position” to cancel the march as it had been working hard to make this year’s 200th anniversary event perfect for Melbourne’s Greek community.

On Wednesday, January 27, the Committee held its first meeting for the year 2021. Reference was made to the community’s rich program to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the start of the Greek Revolution. The General Secretary, Antonis Tsourdalakis, congratulated and thanked the organisations, schools and parishes that showed interest in organising an anniversary event and declared their participation so that their event was included in the official program of Victoria for 2021, but also in the national program of the Holy Archdiocese of Australia.

READ MORE: Victorian program for the 200th anniversary of Greek Independence Day released.

After referring to the program, Mr Tsourdalakis told the members of the Committee that due to the restrictive measures of the pandemic that still prevail in the state of Victoria and the measures imposed by the Guardians of the Shrine, they should be especially careful with the handling of this year’s parade.

The biggest problem the Committee had to deal with was the gathering of a large number of people. According to the regulations that prevail at this time, the Guardians of the Shrine informed Mr Tsourdalakis that only 500 people are allowed to gather and it is strictly forbidden to exceed that number, explaining that if this happens there will be consequences and sanctions to individuals, as well as the officials of the Organising Committee, which may include not allowing the march to be held in the future at the Shrine of Remembrance.

Many views were exchanged on the issue with all members agreeing that their priority was the safety of their fellow human beings, without endangering the wider Victorian society, but also securing the parade for the future. The members present unanimously agreed to cancel this year’s parade.

Mr Tsourdalakis closed the meeting by emphasising that the Greek community will have the opportunity to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the Greek Revolution through a variety of anniversary ceremonies organised by expatriates and citizens. 

Although the parade will not take place for the second year in a row due for public health reasons, in Melbourne where the “heart” of Hellenism beats, the rest of the emblematic actions and events will continue in honor of the 200th anniversary of the Revolution of 1821 and the personalities who marked the liberation struggle.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek hospitality meets harbour views at Sydney’s newest spot, Akti

Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf has received a vibrant Greek twist with the recent opening of Akti, a contemporary Greek restaurant.

Crash survivor Paris Cockinos urges Aussies to donate blood

Paris Cockinos was left fighting for his life after a motorcycle accident in 2020 that resulted in severe internal injuries and fractures.

Fishermen see hope return amid Greece’s trawler ban

Greece’s remote Fournoi archipelago, rich in coral reefs and marine biodiversity, is set to benefit from a government ban on bottom trawling.

Tony Xanthopoulos’ lavish spending and mounting debts revealed amid company collapse

Tony Xanthopoulos, director of Xtraordinary Constructions, is under scrutiny after company’s collapse revealed a string of luxury purchases.

SA tomato farmer Peter Petsios demands answers after biosecurity backflip

Peter Petsios is calling for an inquiry and threatening legal action after the federal government abandoned efforts to eradicate ToBRFV.

You May Also Like

Inaugural NSW Reads event to feature Andrew Pippos’ debut novel ‘Lucky’s’

Readers will be able to join an Instagram read-along as well as take part in an online panel discussion on Greek-Australian cafes past and present.

Greek-American icon Ernie Anastos returns to host ‘Positively America’

Ernie Anastos, will host a new nationally syndicated TV program, Positively America, featuring uplifting stories and inspiring interviews.

Greece’s President and Prime Minister honour Holocaust Remembrance Day

Holocaust Remembrance Day was marked by Greece's Prime Minister and President on Wednesday with special events.