Hundreds of people from Sydney’s Mytilenian community came together on Sunday, September 22 to celebrate the 2024 Sardella Day.
Organised by the Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney at their Mytilenian House in Canterbury, Sardella Day definitely did not disappoint.
A beloved tradition on the Greek island of Lesvos, Sardella Day honours the island’s famous sardines, fished from the gulfs of Gera and Kalloni. The sardine industry is vital to Lesvos, generating around 2,000 jobs alongside other industries such as ouzo production, olives and tourism.
The Sydney event brought the flavours and traditions of Lesvos to the local community, offering a menu of BBQ Sardella, fried Sardella, oven-baked Sardella, and a variety of traditional mezethakia.
The day featured live music from Ioannis Keligiannis, Thanasis Pylarinos, and Nikos Filippatos, ensuring an authentic Greek atmosphere. A vibrant dance performance by the Sydney Greek Dancing School added to the lively celebration.
Attendee Dimitria Salachoris Yanez told The Greek Herald she really enjoyed the day.
“It was a well organised event with great live music, traditional food and of course, it was great seeing my children perform and share the Greek spirit,” Dimitria said.
Emcee Christine Gazepis Stavropoulos guided official proceedings with a Welcome to Country by Uncle John and a speech by President of the Mytilenian Brotherhood, Peter Psomas.
Mr Psomas told The Greek Herald after the event that he was pleased with how everything turned out.
“A great day once again with fine food, traditional Greek music and dancing. The most pleasing aspect was the new attendees and younger generation getting into the tradition of Sardella Day,” he said.
NSW Minister for Industrial Relations and local MP for Canterbury, Sophie Cotsis was also present on the day.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
