Zeibekiko Festival Australia brings a taste of Greece to the heart of Melbourne

·

By Stamatina Notaras

There are few things I am sure of in life: chocolate belongs in the cupboard, pineapple doesn’t belong on pizza, and the Greeks know how to party (myself being one of them).

If the Melbourne air felt a little saltier last weekend, with hints of aniseed about, it’s because the essence of Greece landed smack bang in the heart of Melbourne for the annual Zeibekiko Festival Australia – the second of its kind.

After a successful inaugural year in Sydney, and with the walls of Brunswick Ballroom draped in red velvet curtains and a disco ball as the ceiling’s centrepiece, it was all dance, eats, and knocking back ouzo as Melbourne Greeks congregated to celebrate Greek culture and heritage the best way they know how.

The crowd was treated to dinner and a show as the seven-piece special guest band Estudiantina of Melbourne occupied the stage, playing songs of Smyrna and Rembetika all night long. Four tables of dapperly dressed dancers sat casually in front, mimicking a summer’s night out in bygone era Greece.

Among the troupe of dancers was internationally renowned zeibekiko master from Cyprus, Christos Shakallis. His background in dance spans decades, specialising in Latin, freestyle Greek, club dance, flamenco, and traditional Cypriot dance. His talent has led to performances at the World Congress and the Eurovision stage in 2008, as well as serving as a panel judge for TV talent shows and national dance competitions. So, it was no surprise that with this repertoire under his belt, every step he took was intentional, allowing his passion to take the reins.

As the dancers partnered up, taking turns at the traditional zeibekiko, it wasn’t long before they peeled off into the crowd, returning to the dance floor with a string of willing participants trailing behind. And if you know Greeks, it’s come one, come all. Everyone danced in circles until their feet called for a break and clapped their hands along to songs from the the ages.

It’s nights like this that remind us that our connection to culture is what keeps tradition alive and binds us together like a secret society – a secret society that knows that when it’s time to pay the bill, the gloves come on, and when your theia waves you over during the zeibekiko, you join her, no questions asked. So, as I looked around the room and overheard the familiar twang of Greeklish, and saw plates filled with calamari and chips, I felt right at home, even in a room full of strangers. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

Greek Australian Jeremy Boulton progresses to the Finals of IFAC Singing Competition

23-year old Jeremy Boulton, who has Greek Australian heritage, has progressed to the Finals of the IFAC Handa Australian Singing Competition.

Sakkari progresses to Ostrava semi-finals after comeback win against Ons Jabeur

A near-perfect service game was the trigger for a brilliant turnaround in which Sakkari won 12 of the last 14 games, committing just six unforced errors over the last two sets.

Greek and Egyptian Foreign Ministers reaffirm bilateral relations

Greece's Foreign Minister, Georgios Gerapetritis met with his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry in Athens on Monday.