The centre of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory became a kaleidoscope of colour over the weekend as the world’s cultures came together for the National Multicultural Festival.
According to the ACT Government, over 200,000 visitors attended the festival over three days (17 – 19 February), more than 170 cultures were represented, including 250 stalls, 30 cultural showcases and performances on eight stages.
On Sunday, the Greek Glendi returned to the festival with the proud support of the Greek Community of Canberra (GCC), the Hellenic Club of Canberra and the Canberra Olympic Football Club.
Paradise band played for the crowds, whilst the Canberra Hellenic Dancers and the Nassibian Dance Group from Sydney gave rich dancing performances.
The Mandolin Band, who practice at the Hellenic Club, also participated as part of the Greek Glendi and played a number of Greek classics including Zorba the Greek.
Whilst listening to the live music and enjoying some dancing, big crowds also lined up for loukoumades by the Philoptochos of St Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Canberra, as well as lamb souvlakia and yeeros by Canberra Olympic, and calamari, chips, spanakopita, tiropites and baklava by the GCC.
Whether it was people’s first time to the festival or a breath of nostalgia, many visitors embraced the festival’s celebration of Canberra’s rich diversity.
