Prospect Greek Festival in South Australia revived after more than two decades

·

When the committee for St Anthony’s Greek Orthodox Church in Prospect, South Australia put the word out on social media for volunteers to sign up for the inaugural Greek festival, more than 100 people signed up.

On Saturday, February 15, the team effort of different generations culminated in a well-attended festival on church grounds.

All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Martina Simos.

The paniyiri had been held at a nearby park until 1999, but in April last year the committee began discussing the ‘rebirthing’ of the festival.

President of St Anthony’s, Con Dalas, said ‘persistent requests’ from their local community was a driving force to deliver a festival for the community.

“Over 25 years ago, we hosted an annual Paniyiri Festival at St Helen’s Park -a beloved tradition in our community,” Mr Dalas said.

“Unfortunately, the festival faced various challenges, including changes in committees, funding issues, restrictions on park usage, and insurance premiums leading to its discontinuation.”

Fast forward to Saturday and the festival was back with a bang. Hot food, sweets, drinks and loukoumades were available at stalls. There was also an area for face painting and games.

Entertainment during the night included Greek dancing performances by the St Anthony Greek Language School, St George College School, Cretan Dance Group, St Anthony Youth Dance Group, and the Messinian Dance Group, as well as music by DJ Stelio and the ‘Enosis’ band.

prospect greek festival

Mr Dalas welcomed the crowd, thanking the volunteers, the VIPs, and sponsors for their involvement in making the event a success.

“The main goal is to celebrate our Greek culture and heritage, to reconnect our older members… who previously organised this event (over 25 odd years ago), with our younger members who have yet to experience the rich traditions of a true Greek Festival,” he said.

He also thanked supporters of the Festival including the state government for contributing $10,000, Multicultural SA ($5,000), Federal Government ($5,000) and the Prospect Council ($3,000).

“This funding has made it possible for us to bring this festival to life, allowing us to celebrate our culture, our community, and our traditions,” he said.

prospect greek festival

Special guests on the day included Greek Consul General in Adelaide, Alexandra Theodoropoulou; His Grace Bishop Silouan of Adelaide; Federal Member for Adelaide, Steve Georganas MP; State Member for Adelaide, Lucy Hood MP; State Member for Enfield, Andrea Michaels MP; City of Prospect Mayor Matt Larwood; parish priest Father Nicholas, and Archons of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, Chris Diamantis, John Kiosoglous and Panagiotis Demourtzidis.

In her speech, Ms Hood spoke highly of all involved in their dedication to bring the inaugural festival event to her local community.

“My heartfelt thanks to the organisers of today’s festival for bringing Prospect and the wider community together for such a beautiful celebration of Greek culture, cuisine, music, dance and community spirit,” she said.

“I also want to express my gratitude for St Anthony’s Church, which brings together community not just for this special day, but every day.”

*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Martina Simos

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Victorian government launches Anti-Hate Taskforce after wave of antisemitic attacks

A man has been charged in connection with an alleged arson attack on a historic synagogue in East Melbourne.

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

You May Also Like

Young kids get creative at the Hellenic Club of Canberra’s Easter workshops

Young kids enjoyed fun activities at the Hellenic Club of Canberra’s annual Easter workshop over the weekend, making lots of delicious treats.

Jonathon’s grows under pappou Panagioti’s watchful eye

In a full circle moment, Jonathon Atalalis has inherited his pappou Panagioti Kitsiris’ enterprising spirit, opening his self-titled cafe.

Film documenting 100 years since establishment of Panathinaikos BC to premiere on June 27

A film which shares the story of 100 years since the establishment of Panathinaikos BC will be available to all Greeks on June 27 online.