The Athenian Association of NSW hosted a nostalgic taverna night at the Greek Orthodox Community hall in Lakemba on Saturday, June 15.
Themed “Old Athens,” the event aimed to connect the hearts of Sydney’s Greek community with the historic city of Athens.
The evening featured a notable speech from Yannis Mallikourtis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, who provided a retrospective look at the population and cultural heritage of Athens and its people.
Stavros Nikolaou, Deputy Head of Mission at the Cyprus High Commission, also addressed guests in attendance on the night.
Cathy Valis, President of the Athenian Association of NSW, delivered a heartfelt address on the enduring symbolism of Athenian cultural values both in Greece and within Sydney’s Greek community. She also shared personal anecdotes, evoking cherished memories of the past.
Highlighting the theme of “Old Athens,” Board member and educator, Stella Sorotou presented an extensive history of Athenian serenades. This year marks the 160th anniversary of these beloved musical traditions in Athens. The audience joined in singing old Athenian serenades, accompanied by audiovisual presentations and the talented orchestra on the night.
Guests were treated to traditional Athenian meze crafted by Chef Aris, whose culinary expertise added to the evening’s charm. The event concluded with spirited dancing and Athenian songs performed by the orchestra, leaving attendees with a lasting sense of connection to their cultural roots.
