By Leonidas Vlahakis
Melbourne’s most loved Antipodes Festival is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for another joyous celebration of all things Greek. For the past 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of playing a small part in what has been described as “the biggest Greek festival outside of Greece.”
It’s a joy to share some memories of the remarkable people who have contributed to this special event. It warms the cockles of my heart to share some memories on a stroll down memory lane at the Antipodes Festival.
The anticipation is palpable during bump-in. Traffic management is key, and we appreciate Billy’s efforts in making it all run smoothly. His enthusiasm is infectious with a smile as bright as his vest!
Pre-dawn mornings are spent overseeing the erection of stalls and stages, ensuring the signage is just right. Christina’s eagle eye is invaluable in catching any last-minute adjustments, setting things right.
An event of this scale relies on expert electrical work. Claude from Clams Electrical has been a festival mainstay for years, even longer than me. His energy seems boundless and I wonder how he has not aged a day – latinos do voodoo, I wonder?
Our favourite vendors front up bright and early each year – Rose and John Houndalas of “Greek Trojan Yiros” are worthy of the name. Always smiling, and the aroma of charcoal grilling on Saturday morning is a treat in itself.
On the other side of the precinct, Vicky from Hellenic Wines and Spirits and Alex from the magnificent Salona/Kafeneion duopoly set up their food demonstrations, and I am salivating already. Shout out to my friend Fotini Kleftogiannis, an exceptional volunteer in this area.
As we stroll through the precinct, certain individuals stand out. Arthur Poporis is a festival favourite; if I had a drachma for every photo he’s asked to take, I could pay off Greece’s national debt quite easily!
Part of the magic is in the street’s vibrant colours showcasing the rich tapestry of proud Hellas, wonderfully displayed. The community’s spirit shines bright from the photogenic Evelyn Darzanos to the legendary Dimitrios Varnias, who proudly flies the Epirote flag, and his protégé, Dean Kalymniou, the absolute behemoth of our community, to whom I say: My glitsa is your crook…
Familiar faces appear throughout the day. Roula, whose enthusiasm is contagious as “KK rocks Antipodes,” and Greek Community of Melbourne board member Vicky Kyritsis are always smiling. I’d love to take a selfie with Vicky’s husband, Jim Claven, a part-time historian and all-around great guy.
The lads gather for coffee and conversation, whether it be gossip or not I cannot tell. Fellow board member Marinis Pirpiris and media personality Nicolas Loupos are among them.
The festival has a strong relationship with media outlets. I’m proud to call Mary Tsimiklis and super Spartan Dimitri Eco friends, and they agree I have a fine face for radio.
Mambo, as she calls herself, brings joy to everyone she meets. Her distinctive Chyprocker accent is part of her charm, and will make you smile.
The festival draws people from across the nation. In Kalla – we here have produced our very special combination of Jerry Springer, Steve Price and Kevin Bartlett. I don’t know if it’s the climate, rabbit stew or the Robola wine, but they breed them differently in Kefalonia and we are all the better for it!
Traveling to the majestic Crete in spirit, we celebrate the island’s vibrant traditions. While the Xylouris boys are musical sensations, Kath, Niki, and Joanna can perform a mesmerising pendozali dance that would make your head spin. I admire their energy, as my own languid dancing style is better suited to the tsamiko.
Speaking of dancing, some take it very seriously. For me, a hanky for the circle dances is enough. Others find their zen on stage.
On the way to the dance area, I bump into the charming Aristea and her strapping young son, James.
As a devoted optometrist, I’m pleased to see one of my favourite patients, George Lekakis, is in the hood with specs, made by yours truly. They suit him so very nicely.
Content in the knowledge that at least one person can see the world a little better today, we are stopped in our tracks by greatness: Big Ange – I doffs my cap to you and your enormous exploits. Tsambion!
At the main stage, the pre-show buzz is underway as the “afrocream” mills about. The formalities are nearly underway, and I find myself lucky enough to have a chat with Helen Kapalos of the Victorian Multicultural Commission and the dear, sweet Tammy Iliou. What a fine woman, what a wonderful family, one and all – Yanna and Atticus – uncle LDV loves you very much!
And so on the stage we go: LDV and inimitable Anthi Sidiropoulos. After a deep breath, with our serious faces on, we introduce the dignitaries, including Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis and fellow board member and uber nice guy, Nick Dallas.
The Greek Community of Melbourne is apolitical and embraces everyone – we’ll vote for you if you’re good value. We appreciate the long-time support of City of Melbourne Councillor Kevin Louey, former Lord Mayor (and English teacher par excellence) Robert Doyle, and previous minister Jenny Mikakos, the board of Optometry’s finest recruit. We’ve also had the pleasure of meeting former senator Arthur Sinodinos, a lovely Kefalonian bloke whose knowledge of pittes is second to none. The festival has been honoured by visits from Prime Ministers Turnbull, Morrison, and our current PM Anthony Albanese, and, of course, the unforgettable Jules on that particularly blessed night – be still, my beating heart!
Professor Nick Papastergiadis watches the proceedings, clearly pleased, and Nina Athans inspires us with her unwavering support and determination to make the world a happier place no matter what.
A spectacle like this requires the hard work, tenacity, passion and dedication of countless staff and volunteers, indefatigable, they move mountains to present something very special indeed. They are the heart of the Antipodes Festival, a beacon of multiculturalism.
Meg Smith, your name might be the most non-Hellenic ever but you never disappoint – “always worthy” as they say in my parts. Tonia Tsamis, if it turns out that you are in fact a bunny powered by Energizer batteries, I for one won’t be surprised. I have it on very good authority that fellow board member and outrageously top bloke Jim Bossinakis agrees, and Kyrie Vasili, you are a lionhearted man and we thank you for that, too.
Words can’t fully express the Menides family’s impact on the festival and the Greek Community.
And so, another Antipodes Festival done and dusted. My thanks to the wonderful team that makes it happen each year. Once that bus rolls through Lonsdale Street at 5:08 am, LDV can finally rest. (And thanks to Dean Kotsianis for capturing that memorable image that is now burnt on my retinae.)
