Greek pride filled the air on Saturday, November 2 and Sunday, November 3 as a vibrant parade of students marched through Eaton Mall to Warrawee Park, commemorating the historic ‘OXI’ day of October 28, 1940. The streets echoed with cheers of “Zito!” as onlookers lined the route and snap-happy parents captured the moment on camera.
The event culminated in a grand celebration at Warrawee Park, drawing thousands of Melburnians to the annual Oakleigh Glendi.
Outgoing Greek Consul General to Melbourne, Emmanuel Kakavelakis, aptly observed, “You can take the Greek from Greece, but you can’t take Greece out of the Greek.” He emphasised the enduring significance of Greece’s resounding “no” throughout history, highlighting the nation’s resilience and resistance, from antiquity to World War II.
“Our nation has often found peace in saying ‘yes,’ but glory in its ‘no’,” the Consul General added, referencing iconic figures like Spartan king Leonidas at the Battle of Thermopylae, Byzantine Emperor Constantine Paleologos, and 1821 revolutionary Papaflessas.
As he prepares to assume the role of Greek Ambassador to Syria, Mr Kakavelakis urged the community to maintain unity and build upon the legacy of early Greek migrants to Australia, while also commending the multicultural fabric of Australia.
This spirit of multiculturalism was evident when Liberal opposition leader John Pesutto took the stage. Despite his Italian heritage, he paid tribute to the bravery of the Greek people who defied Italian demands during WWII.
“Many of you have photos on the wall of great-grandfathers and grandmothers who died fighting to restore the freedoms and equality of the Greek people when fascism beckoned,” he said. “Today, we commemorate that bravery, and I can say this, my friends, as someone of Calabrese stock. I come from the Greek part of Italy.”
Federal Member for Oakleigh, Clare O’Neil, attended the event with her son Elvis.
“We live in Oakleigh, my children go to school here. This is our community, and we are so privileged to enjoy the heart of Greek Melbourne,” she told The Greek Herald. “The Greek community is incredibly generous in sharing their culture, and ‘OXI’ Day is something I want my children to understand. I want them to understand the importance of standing up for democracy, bravery, and fighting fascism. That’s why I bought my son with me.”
Victorian Member for Oakleigh, Steve Dimopoulos, highlighted the state government’s annual $100,000 contribution to the festival, recognising the significant role of the Greek community in shaping Oakleigh.
Jim Lazogas of Lazogas Real Estate, a long-time local business, noted the festival’s growing popularity and its impact on the surrounding neighbourhoods.
“My real estate agency was here before Oakleigh became this Greek neighbourhood, and in recent years, this festival has grown. People come from around Melbourne. It’s amazing,” he said.
His views were echoed by Roula Krikellis, who emceed on Saturday.
“It was the first time an international singer like Kostas Karafotis was brought to the festival, and a sea of people came to hear him sing. Everyone was dancing. What a vibe!” she said.
The festival offered a diverse range of activities, from live music and traditional dance performances to culinary delights and cultural exhibits.
George Dardamanis of Melvourni, organic coffee makers, couldn’t keep up with the crowds. “Greek Melburnians still prefer frappe but freddo is catching up,” he told The Greek Herald, recommending coffee flavours like tsoureki, hot cross buns, gingerbread and gold leaf for vasilopita cutting.
Chef George Calombaris showcased traditional Greek recipes, while local author Ruth Bardis shared her passion for preserving Greek culinary heritage through her cookbooks.
The event brought together people of all ages, from young students to elderly community members. The shared sense of pride and connection to Greek culture was palpable throughout the day with dancing troupes, students singing, poetry. Crowds mingled with Lee Tarlamis MP, David Davis MP, Oakleigh Grammar Principal Mark Robertson, Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, His Grace Bishop Kyriakos of Melbourne, and Greek Orthodox Community of Oakleigh President Chris Damatopoulos, who emceed the second day of festivities.
*All photos copyright The Greek Herald / Mary Sinanidis.
