The heart of Melbourne’s Yarraville was once again transformed into the ultimate Hellenic festival on Sunday, March 17, with everything from delicious Greek food to the familiar music that helps brings Zorba dancing to life.
Initially postponed for a week due to the intense heat, the Yarraville Festival couldn’t be stopped over the weekend, with many turning up to enjoy the entertainment provided at the Greek Precinct.
During the day, traditional rebetiko and Pontian music blasted through the air, alongside the healing sounds of the clarion with music from Northern Greece.
Zorba’s dance by Theodorakis featured, as well as musicians from Melbourne’s Demotika and Gkazi. Lambi Anastasidis on lyra, supported by his daughters Eleni and Parthena, was a magical performance for all to witness.
Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, one of Melbourne’s Hellenic culinary institutions, provided their expertise in offering the best Greek delights. Many people also flocked to St Nicholas Church to get their favourite serving of loukoumades.
Jim Claven, Kathryn Gauci and John Martino also attended the festival to promote their books to the public. The Consul General of Greece in Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, and former Minister John Pandazopoulos stopped by to enjoy the event.
President of the Yarraville Festival, Con Frescos, and his sister, Nikki, whose heritage stems from the Greek town of Kyparissia, always aim to do their best for the public as festival volunteers and encouraged others to get onboard next year.
“We are always looking for more people to get involved, it is such a blessing for us to be a part of,” Con Frescos told The Greek Herald.
