Greek spirit, music, and unparalleled flavours filled the streets of Hobart, Tasmania, over the weekend of February 1-2, as the ESTIA Greek Festival opened its doors and welcomed thousands of visitors.
For the first time, the festival expanded to a two-day event, featuring a Saturday night market followed by a full-scale festival on Sunday. The added day saw large crowds flock to try Greek food and immerse themselves in Greek culture.
Saturday evening had a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere, with live DJs creating the perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy Greek food, drinks, and good company well into the night. On Sunday, the festival transformed into the large-scale Greek celebration the community knows and loves, bringing together people of all backgrounds to share in the festivities.
Federal Street was transformed into a vibrant Greek hub, with aromas of traditional food filling the air and volunteers working tirelessly to prepare an array of Greek delicacies. The festival featured cooking demonstrations, live music, DJs, and performances by the Hellenic Dancers – Hobart.
Visitors indulged in Greek food classics such as gyros, souvlakia, loukoumades, BBQ octopus, and many more, making the event a true feast for the senses.
Entertainment remained at the heart of the weekend, with energetic performances from the Hellenic Dancers – Hobart captivating audiences and live Greek music keeping the crowd on their feet.
Adding to the significance of the event, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia attended the festival on Sunday, bringing great joy to the local Greek community.
The festival’s strong cultural message was reinforced through speeches by key community figures. Greg Casimaty spoke about the importance of heritage and cultural connection, while Madeline Ogilvie MP highlighted the need to support and nurture culture.
Archbishop Makarios also addressed the crowd, delivering a message of community and togetherness, emphasising the unifying power of Greek traditions.
Reflecting on the success of the festival, Greek Community of Tasmania President, Manoli Kalimnios, praised the involvement of young people, describing it as one of the event’s highlights.
“One of the highlights of this year’s festival was the incredible involvement of young people. From performing traditional dances to helping behind the scenes, their passion and dedication give us confidence in the future,” he said.
General Manager of the Greek Community of Tasmania, Emanuel Roussos, echoed this sentiment, expressing his excitement for the future of the festival.
“This festival continues to go from strength to strength, and we can’t wait to build on this year’s success. The enthusiasm and community spirit were undeniable, and we’re already excited for what’s next,” he said.
Mr Kalimnios also expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the festival received. “We are overwhelmed by the love and support shown for this year’s festival. It’s clear that Greek culture continues to inspire and unite people, no matter their background,” he said.
From the delicious flavours to the traditional dances and music, every moment of the festival reflected a deep connection to Greek heritage. With spirits high and community pride stronger than ever, organisers and attendees alike are already looking forward to next year’s event, eager to once again celebrate the magic of Greek culture in Hobart.
