Sydney’s 43rd Greek Festival transformed Darling Harbour into a vibrant celebration of Greek heritage over the weekend of February 22-23, attracting thousands of visitors to Tumbalong Park.
Now in its 21st year at this iconic location, the festival once again showcased the rich cultural traditions of Greece, from music and dance to authentic cuisine and artisanal crafts.
A feast for the senses
Greek cuisine took centre stage at this year’s event, with festival-goers lining up for a taste of traditional souvlaki, loukoumades, spanakopita and other delicacies.
The festival’s food stalls showcased authentic Greek flavours, offering visitors an opportunity to experience a variety of dishes deeply rooted in Greek culture.
Dancing, Art, and Cultural Showcases
Traditional Greek dance groups added to the immersive experience, performing regional dances in elaborate costumes, with enthusiastic crowds joining in for the well-known Zorba dance.
The festival also featured interactive workshops, craft stalls, and exhibitions highlighting Greek art, history and literature.
Visitors had the chance to engage with artisans, learn about traditional crafts, and explore the influence of Greek Australian contributions to the local community.
A stage full of star power
The weekend’s entertainment was a standout feature, bringing together both international stars and local talent.
Saturday’s programme was headlined by the Xylourides siblings, known for their unique fusion of traditional Greek folk music and contemporary sounds.
Their performance set the tone for the evening, which culminated in a spectacular set by Nikos Zoidakis. The renowned Cretan musician enchanted the audience with his masterful lyra playing and dynamic vocals, evoking the spirit of Crete in the heart of Sydney.
Sunday’s highlight was the much-anticipated performance by Rena Morfi, one of Greece’s most beloved vocalists. With a mix of classic and modern Greek songs, she engaged the audience in an energetic and heartfelt performance that had the crowd singing and dancing throughout the evening.
Official Speeches and Community Acknowledgements
Following a traditional Welcome to Country and the singing of the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, there were a number of official speeches.
Emceed by Mr Tsilimos, the speeches highlighted the festival’s importance and its ongoing success as an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of New South Wales (GOCNSW), supported by the Bank of Sydney.
Harry Danalis, President of the GOCNSW, opened the addresses by thanking the thousands who attended and emphasising the festival’s role in uniting the Greek and wider community. He expressed gratitude to the NSW Government, sponsors, and volunteers for their continuous support.
Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Ioannis Mallikourtis reflected on the journey of Greek migrants, acknowledging their resilience and contributions to Australian society. He praised their lasting impact and the Greek Australian community’s ongoing strength.
“When I was listening to our Greek national anthem being sung before, I thought about those who travelled 35 days from Greece on the Ellinis or the Patris 50 or 60 years ago. If you had told them then that decades later, in the most central part of Sydney, this whole square would be filled with blue and white and Greek music, they would probably think you were mad. So, a round of applause to those pioneers who built this today,” Mr Mallikourtis said.
His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia spoke on the importance of unity, faith, and cultural preservation, urging the community to remain together in strength and pride. He emphasised that the Greek Festival is not just a momentary gathering, but a testament to the enduring spirit of Hellenism in Australia.
“We [the GOCNSW and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia] are together, not apart. And this gives me immense joy, and it is my paternal wish to see this collaboration and this form of unity remain and never sever again,” His Eminence said.
NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, Steve Kamper, highlighted the NSW Government’s strong support and funding for the festival, recognising its role in fostering cultural pride and social harmony. Minister Kamper also took the opportunity to commend the contributions of the Greek Australian community, applauding their resilience and dedication to preserving their heritage.
The Honourable Matt Thistlethwaite, Federal Member for Kingsford Smith, underscored the immense contributions of Greek culture to the world. He also acknowledged the role of the Greek Australian community in enriching Australian society and applauded the dedication of festival organisers and volunteers.
“All of life’s great pleasures were given to us by the Greeks, and that is what the Greek Festival of Sydney is all about. It is a celebration of life’s great pleasures,” Mr Thistlethwaite said.
Several other dignitaries also shared their admiration for the festival’s success. This included the Honourable David Coleman, Federal Member for Banks; the NSW Shadow Minister for Multiculturalism, Mark Coure MP; Zann Maxwell, Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney; Melos Sulicich, CEO at Bank of Sydney; and Nikolas Varelas, Deputy High Commissioner for the Republic of Cyprus in Australia.
In their speeches, they all underscored the significance of Greek culture in shaping modern Australia, acknowledging the hard work of organisers and volunteers in keeping the event thriving.
Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, closed the speeches with a passionate message about the festival’s future, stressing the importance of youth engagement in preserving Greek culture.
Reflecting on the accessibility of the festival, she emphasised the importance of making cultural celebrations available to everyone, not just those who can afford them. She praised the support from sponsors like the Bank of Sydney and Multicultural NSW, acknowledging their commitment to keeping the festival thriving for years to come.
She declared: “As long as you, the public, the youth, want the Greek Festival at Darling Harbour, it is here to stay.”
A celebration to remember
As the festival wrapped up on Sunday evening, attendees left with a renewed appreciation for Greek culture and its enduring presence in Australia.
Distinguished attendees included the NSW Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis; Bayside City Councillor Fiona Douskou; Randwick City Councillor Alexandra Luxford; and Sutherland Shire Councillor Haris Strangas; among many others.
With another successful year behind it, the Greek Festival of Sydney continues to be a significant cultural event, bringing Greek heritage to the forefront of Sydney’s multicultural landscape.
The event remains a testament to the strong ties between Greece and Australia, celebrating a shared love of music, dance, food, and community. Until next year!
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Andriana Simos
