Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for Chocolate and Hazelnut Biscotti with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!
Ingredients:
2 ½ cups plain flour
½ cup good quality unsweetened cocoa powder
2 ½ tsp baking powder
3 eggs lightly whisked
1 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light olive oil
Zest of 2 oranges
¾ cup of roughly chopped hazelnuts
½ cup of dark chocolate (70%) cut into small chunks (I sometimes use Cadbury’s Hazelnut chocolate and roughly chop it up – 180 gm worth). It is nicer using the dark chocolate.
Method:
In a bowl combine the flour, cocoa and baking powder together. Mix to combine with a fork and set aside.
In a stand mixer, add the eggs, oil and sugar together and whisk for 4-5 minutes using the paddle attachment.
Add the flour mixture to the egg mixture and whisk on low till all the flour is combined.
Add your orange zest, dark chocolate and hazelnuts and gently whisk till combined.
Divide dough into 2 portions and with a little cocoa rubbed in your hands, roll each piece of dough into a log of approximately 3cm thickness. Transfer logs onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper. Gently press each log to flatten them a little, making sure you allow enough room between them as they will rise and expand when cooking.
Put tray in your freezer (5-10 minutes) to firm dough a little, then bake in a preheated oven of 160C. Bake for approx. 25-30 minutes, then remove from oven and allow to cool down slightly before you cut them. After about 20 minutes, cut logs into 2 cm thickness on the diagonal, turn them sideways and bake for a further 6-7 minutes, then turn them the other way and bake them on the other side for approx. 6-7 minutes as well.
Remove from oven and allow to cool on the baking sheet. Store in an airtight container.
Greek Koroneiki and flavored olive oils ranked high in the EVOO World Ranking (WR) for 2024. According to its website, which recognized 498 awards for Greece, “the Best Society for EVOOWR 2024 of Greece is Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms.” Moreover, “the Best EVOO for EVOOWR 2024 of Greece is Terra Creta Grand Cru from Melissa-Kikizas S.A. – Terra Creta.”
The EVOO World Ranking is an annual ranking by the World Association of Journalists and Writers of Wines, Liquors and others (WAWWJ). It is based on extra virgin olive oils’ (EVOOs’) and flavored olive oils’ success in the international olive oil competitions selected by the WAWWJ for consideration. The WAWWJ gives award-winning olive oils different numbers of points for prizes they won in different competitions, according to the WAWWJ’s own ranking of the selected competitions.
The Best Greek Olive Oil Company for EVOOWR 2024
Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms was designated the Best Society for EVOOWR 2024 of Greece and the 12th best olive oil company in the world. All five of their extra virgin olive oils were ranked among the top 100 globally, with three among the top 10 Koroneiki variety EVOOs. In addition, as in 2023, Sakellaropoulos was the top-ranked producer of flavored olive oils worldwide.
Overall, the company was credited with 39 awards in 8 contests for their organic extra virgin and flavored olive oils from their farms in Sparta, Laconia. As the company is proud to announce, “Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms have acquired the unique number of 1,045 international awards at prestigious and renowned competitions worldwide, which is an ongoing global record of distinctions for a Greek olive producer (Single Estate & Terroir organic producer).”
Nick Sakellaropoulos emphasized that his family business’s honors highlight the position of Greece “on the global olive growing map.” This is especially true for flavored olive oil. Producing eight of the top 25 flavored olive oils in the world, according to the EVOOWR, Sakellaropoulos Organic Farms helped Greece remain the top country for flavored olive oils globally, as it has been for years.
The Best Greek Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Flavored Olive Oilfor EVOOWR 2024
Terra Creta Grand Cru extra virgin olive oil from Melissa-Kikizas S.A. – Terra Creta was ranked the best Greek extra virgin olive oil. Credited with 28 awards in 22 contests, Terra Creta’s Grand Cru was also listed as the best Koroneiki variety EVOO in the world. In addition, it was among the top five EVOOs globally for the fourth year in a row. Moreover, with its innovative olive mill in Crete, Terra Creta ranked in the top three Greek olive oil companies in the same years.
On top of that, Terra Creta heads the EVOOWR’s list of best flavored olive oils worldwide for 2024. Terra Creta Infusions with Basil is number one, and Terra Creta Infusions with Garlic is also among the top five globally.
Emmanouil Karpadakis believes “deep knowledge, constant commitment, a strong team, flexibility, and the work done by the Terra Creta Olive Academy are the key elements behind this success.” He feels “every single award” they receive “is of high significance, since it not only recognizes the work of our team and the Terra Creta Olive Academy, but in addition reflects the judgment of experienced tasters from different countries.” He mentions the Best in Class, Best Greek EVOO, and World’s Best Koroneiki awards from different competitions as especially noteworthy.
More Greek Olive Oil Companies Ranked Among the Top Five
Although in a transitional stage, The Master Miller P.C. appeared among the three highest-ranked Greek companies for EVOOWR 2024. Formerly known as Papadopoulos Olive Oil and Mediterre Eurofood, this company was listed as the number one Greek olive oil company for five of the last seven years, and among the top four in Greece each year.
Eva Papadopoulou considers a Double Gold Award at the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition (IOOC), a Platinum at the LONDON IOOC, and a Grand Prestige Gold at the TERRAOLIVO IOOC some of the “most significant accolades” they received in 2024. Papadopoulou pointed out that The Master Miller combines “over three decades of expertise with cutting-edge technology,” prioritizing sustainability, quality, and exceptional flavor. Working near Ancient Olympia in Ilia, they “preserve the authenticity of our local varieties, such as Olympia, Kolireiki, Botsikoelia, and Koroneiki, and share the distinct flavors of our region with the world.”
Another company committed to exceptional quality and sustainable practices ranked among the top five for Greek olive oil: Jordan Olivenöl GmbH. They mainly work with Kolovi and Adramytini olives on the island of Lesbos, where they strive to promote biodiversity and soil health. In their rainfed olive groves, “the climate and soil impart a unique terroir,” according to Bastian Jordan.
The result is “an olive oil with a distinct, full-bodied character.” Jordan feels that their EVOOWR “validates the dedication of our family and small farming partners to excellence, from cultivation to bottling. It inspires us to continue sharing the exceptional quality of our work and Lesbos with the world.”
Additional Extra Virgin and Flavored Greek Olive Oils Ranked High
Laconiko also ranked among the EVOOWR’s top ten for Greece, even without choosing to participate in many competitions in 2024. They are especially proud of Gold awards from the NYIOOC and the ATHENA IOOC for their Koroneiki variety estate extra virgin olive oils from Laconia, Peloponnese. Laconiko was also highly ranked for several of their flavored olive oils.
As Diamantis Pierrakos points out, “Laconiko’s commitment to transparency and quality ensures that our clients can trust the products they are purchasing. We aim to uphold the integrity of our craft by delivering the same exceptional standards to our customers that are recognized in these competitions. Our dedication to authenticity sets us apart in the industry and reinforces our reputation as a reliable source of high-quality olive oil.”
Liokareas is another of Greece’s top 14 EVOO companies, and one of the world’s top five companies for flavored olive oil in the EVOOWR for 2024. Peter Liokareas wishes to highlight their number one ranking for oleocanthal content at the World Best Healthy EVOO Contest in Spain, and their Gold award at the Olympia Health & Nutrition Awards in Greece, both for their high polyphenol extra virgin olive oil. “This recognition validates our unwavering commitment to producing the healthiest olive oil in the world,” Liokareas reported. As he added, it “inspires us to continue pushing boundaries in quality and innovation.”
Liokareas olive oil comes from Koroneiki variety olives grown on the Mani Peninsula in Peloponnese. “By combining old-world practices with cutting-edge research on phenol production,” said Liokareas, “we are not just preserving a legacy—we are advancing the art of olive oil for the future.”
Distinguished Greek Olive Oils from across the Land
Throughout the Greek mainland and the islands, the producers of highly ranked Greek olive oils honor the ancient traditions of their land while embracing modern advances and innovations. This enables them to bring the world flavorful, nutritious extra virgin olive oils made from many traditional olive varieties that reflect their unique terroirs. Greek olive oil producers are also becoming increasingly well known for some of the world’s best flavored olive oil condiments, which offer home cooks and chefs convenient ways to flavor fine dishes and salads.
*Originally published on Greek Liquid Gold: Authentic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (greekliquidgold.com). See that site for recipes with olive oil, photos from Greece, agrotourism and food tourism suggestions, and olive oil news and information.
Christopher Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey is already drawing criticism for historical inaccuracies. The highly anticipated film, set for release on July 17, 2026, will star Matt Damon as Odysseus alongside Tom Holland, Zendaya, Robert Pattinson, Lupita Nyong’o, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron, according to tovima.com and au.news.yahoo.com
Universal Pictures recently released the first image of Damon in character, wearing a cape, wrist armor, and a Spartan-style helmet with a red plume. However, this design choice has sparked backlash, with many pointing out that Odysseus’ helmet in Homer’s epic was made of boar tusks. One user on X commented, “This helmet is like cocaine to costume designers,” while another noted, “The Odyssey is set during the age of heroes… the helmets would have been of the boar tusk style, not the Corinthian style.”
Despite the controversy, production is moving forward, with filming set to begin in the next few months. Locations include the UK, Morocco, and Sicily, specifically the island of Favignana, which scholars believe corresponds to a stop in Odysseus’ journey. The island, known as “goat island,” is said to be where Odysseus and his crew landed, gathered food, and roasted goats.
The Odyssey follows Odysseus, the King of Ithaca, on his perilous journey home after the Trojan War, facing mythological creatures and gods. As excitement builds, the debate over historical accuracy continues, adding further intrigue to Nolan’s take on the legendary tale.
The historic fortress town of Monemvasia in southeastern Peloponnese has been shortlisted as one of Europe’s seven most endangered heritage sites due to plans to install a cable car, according to tovima.com.
The nomination was announced by Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute as part of the 2025 “7 Most Endangered Program,” with the final list set to be revealed in the spring.
The Greek Culture Ministry and the Municipality of Monemvasia support the cable car project, but experts and heritage organizations, including Elliniki Etairia, warn it could harm the site’s cultural and environmental integrity. Opponents argue it may negatively impact the visitor experience and disrupt Monemvasia’s historic landscape. Organizations like ICOMOS, the Association of Greek Archaeologists, and Monumenta have also voiced their opposition.
Europa Nostra has criticized the project’s environmental impact study, stating it lacks clarity on issues like noise pollution, traffic congestion, and effects on local wildlife. The organization also raised concerns that the project prioritizes profit over genuine accessibility improvements.
Instead of a cable car, Elliniki Etairia has suggested a passenger lift, similar to one previously installed to aid restoration work. This alternative could enhance accessibility without compromising the site’s heritage.
Monemvasia, often called the “Gibraltar of Greece,” is a car-free, fortified town with a rich architectural legacy shaped by Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman influences. Its inclusion in the 7 Most Endangered list underscores the urgent need for preservation while balancing tourism and conservation efforts.
Fourteen-year-old motorcycle rider, Nikolas Lazos, is a multifaceted talent who has left everyone speechless with his performances both in the world of motorcycles and in the field of martial arts. Let’s travel with him and get to know the future rider of the big MotoGP tracks.
Nikolas was born on March 30, 2011, in the city of Williamstown, Victoria. His siblings are Xander (17), Markos (16), Leo (12), and Anastasia (9). His grandfather Peter and grandmother Anna hail from the beautiful Chalkida, Evia. This year, Nikolas will be attending Virtual Schools Victoria for remote learning.
Nikolas has also been selected to represent Australia in the famous Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship 2025. This is a significant milestone in the young rider’s career as he prepares to face the best emerging talents from across the Asia-Pacific region in one of the most competitive junior road racing series in the world.
Nikolas, who has made a name for himself in the Australian Superbikes Championship (ASBK) and the FIM Mini GP, has continually proven his skills and determination on the track. His excellent performances, including pole positions at the 2024 MotoGP weekend at Phillip Island and several podium finishes, have earned him a coveted spot on the international stage.
“It is a great honour for me to race for Australia in the Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship,” Nikolas told The Greek Herald. “It’s a dream come true to compete at this level, and I’m ready to give it my all.”
The Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship is a critical step for young riders aiming to move up to the international stage, with previous participants progressing to MotoGP feeder series like the Moto3 World Championship. Competing on identical Yamaha R3 bikes, the series offers a level playing field where pure talent and racing strategy determine success.
With the 2025 season featuring famous racing venues across Asia and the Pacific, Nikolas will compete against elite riders from countries such as Japan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia. His selection reflects not only his talent, but also the growing reputation of Australian riders in international motorsport.
Adding to his growing popularity, Nikolas’ proud Greek heritage has brought Greek fans back to the track, creating a passionate and vocal fanbase. Greek communities in Australia and beyond have supported the young rider, eager to see him succeed on the international stage. His connection to his roots has made him an iconic figure, not just for Australian motorsport but also for the pride of Greek Australians in international motorsport.
Nikolas’ success is no accident – his training program is intense and strictly disciplined. He trains at Fusion Martial Arts in Yarraville, a gym owned by his father, Konstantinos, a respected coach and fitness professional known for working with many international athletes. With experience in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo, his physical conditioning and mental toughness give him a unique advantage in high-pressure racing environments.
Friends and supporters will eagerly watch as Nikolas embarks on this exciting new chapter. With his fearless riding style and relentless pursuit of victory, there is no doubt that the Australian #11 will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 Yamaha R3 BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship.
Stay tuned for updates on Nikolas’ journey as he faces the best in the region and continues his quest to race on the international stage.
Former Adelaide fitness star Kayla Itsines has expressed concern over the increasing sexualisation of the fitness industry, calling out influencers who pose with their booty on display under the pretense of a glute workout, according to The Advertiser.
The SWEAT co-founder believes some content creators use specific camera angles to gain views, a trend she does not want her children exposed to.
“I probably wouldn’t care if I didn’t have kids—I’d be like, ‘you do you, boo’,” she said in a recent video. “However, I have a daughter, and I’m trying to be an example to women. No drinking, no drugs, no smoking, no highly sexualised content.”
Dr. Simon Wilksch, senior research fellow at Flinders University, echoed her concerns, warning about the potential impact on young audiences. He emphasized the importance of media literacy programs and better support for parents and schools to prevent mental health issues.
However, opinions among Adelaide locals were divided.
Janelle Flores, 28, and Bianca Bottin, 24, argued that parents should monitor their children’s social media use rather than blaming influencers.
“I don’t think people need to stop posting gym content just because of concerns about sexualised imagery,” Bottin said.
Others, like Belinda Cooper, 45, supported women expressing confidence. “If they’re old enough to make their own decisions, it’s fine,” she said.
Meanwhile, Martine Steig, 24, and Maleen Andersen, 23, highlighted the difference between attention-seeking posts and genuine progress updates, emphasizing that young people should learn to navigate media exposure themselves.
TripAdvisor, the world’s leading travel platform, has unveiled its list of the best beaches for 2025, with Elafonissi Beach in Crete securing the top spot, according to en.protothema.gr
The rankings, based on the Travellers’ Choice awards for the world’s top 25 beaches, place Elafonissi ahead of Banana Beach in Thailand, Eagle Beach in Aruba, Siesta Beach in Florida, and Praia da Falésia in Portugal.
Australia’s Manly Beach landed in 15th place, while in the United Kingdom, Weymouth Beach was the highest-ranked.
Elafonissi, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and pink sand, is part of the Natura protected areas due to its ecological significance. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to this breathtaking destination to experience its stunning blue waters.
A study by the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports has revealed a sharp increase in thefts at religious sites in Greece, in 2023, according to an article by Sofia Christou in ekthimerini.com.
Tracking incidents at places of worship across Greece since 2015, the study estimates that nearly 4,000 cases of theft, vandalism, or damage have occurred at Orthodox churches over the past nine years.
In 2023 alone, a record 591 incidents involving Orthodox churches were reported, surpassing the 564 cases recorded in 2022.
Crimes against religious sites of other faiths remain relatively uncommon. Jewish sites ranked second, with 65 incidents recorded over nine years, while the Catholic Church, overseeing 233 places of worship, has reported no cases of theft, vandalism, or damage since 2020.
A total of 608 incidents targeting religious sites of all denominations were documented in Greece in 2023. These offenses included vandalism, break-ins, theft, robbery, desecration of graves, sacrilege, and arson.
Regarding Orthodox churches, most cases involved burglaries targeting cash, religious artifacts, and valuables. However, some thefts appeared more systematic, with criminals stealing larger items such as copper baptismal fonts, air conditioners, wooden fittings, and bells.
Notably, 20 church bells were stolen in a single year, highlighting an organized effort. Among the stolen items were two 800-kilogram bells taken from Profitis Ilias Church in Acharnes (Menidi), northwest of Athens, and a 200-kilogram bell stolen from Agios Georgios Church in the Pieria region of northern Greece.
The Municipality of Trifylia in southern Greece has removed the historic “Tambakis Mulberry,” a 300-year-old tree linked to Greece’s War of Independence, despite strong local opposition, according to ekathimerini.com
Located in Filiatra’s Kapodistrias Square, the tree was a significant historical symbol and had been considered for inclusion in Greece’s List of Protected Natural Monuments.
Officials defended the decision by citing plans for additional parking spaces but did not explore alternatives such as transplantation.
Having withstood the destruction caused by Ibrahim Pasha’s forces in 1825, the tree’s removal two centuries later by municipal authorities has triggered widespread outrage. Many mourn the loss of a cultural landmark that could have been preserved as a historical tourism attraction.
The official program of events for the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney has been released and it definitely doesn’t disappoint. The festival is an initiative of the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW (GOCNSW), proudly presented by the Bank of Sydney.
The program will run from February to May 2025 and will feature cultural exhibitions, book launches, music concerts, Greek festivals and more.
Full program of events:
Modern AθENS In The Backdrop Of Antiquity,Photographs by Petros Kaminiotis
An exhibition featuring the talented photographer Petros Kaminiotis, who will be here in person to present this collection of photographs focusing on contemporary Athens. It will spotlight the significant new developments in Greece’s capital, an area often overlooked by visitors. The exhibition aims to demonstrate how Athens is a continuously evolving major European capital, showcasing numerous examples of modernity alongside its exquisite antiquities
10am – 6pm, Tue 25 February – Sat 1 March 2025
10am-2pm, Sun 2 March 2025
Official opening event Tue 25 Feb @ 6.30pm
Luna Studio Art Gallery 465 King St Newtown, NSW 2042
English / Greek
FREE, No bookings required
Dionysios Solomos AwardsCeremony
This prestigious event is held to recognise the highest-ranking Greek language students in NSW in the presence of family, friends and distinguished guests. Awards will be presented to the top-ranking students in Modern and Classical Greek. This awards ceremony is proudly presented in partnership with the University of Sydney.
4:00pm, Sunday 9 March 2025
MacLaurin Hall, Manning Road, The University of Sydney
English / Greek
FREE, No bookings required
Opou Gis kai Patris 2 – Greek Theatre
Directly from Greece for five performances only! The much-anticipated sequel to the acclaimed Greek comedy production “Opou Gis kai Patris” is coming to the Greek Festival of Sydney in early March 2025! Brought to life by the brilliant Konstantinos Kalymnios, Elena Tsefala, Vasilis Giavris and Stamatis Tzelepis, this theatrical masterpiece will take you on an emotional journey that celebrates the ties of home, heritage, and identity.
The Greek-Australian Milk Bar: A Transnational History – Lecture by Effy Alexakis & Leonard Janiszewski
In 1932, Mick Adams (Joachim Tavlaridis) established the world’s first ‘modern’ milk bar – a refreshment retailing revolution that became one of the nation’s most popular cultural icons. The event has now finally been publicly recognised with the installation of a commemorative Green Plaque in Martin Place by the City of Sydney Council. This public lecture will discuss the concept’s elements, its expansion nationally and internationally, revealing migrant-settler entrepreneurship and how transnational, diasporic migrant experiences, particularly of modernity, can shape business retail innovation. Whilst milk bars have silently faded from our streetscapes, the ongoing power of their sociocultural symbolism remains.
6pm, Tuesday 11 March 2025
Dixson Room, State Library Of New South Wales 1 Shakespeare Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
With the Inner West Council’s naming part of the Marrickville Road shopping precinct “Little Greece”, this presentation examines the phases of the Greek experience in Marrickville from early Greek settlement in the pre-and post-World War II periods (1930-1959), through to the Greek Golden Era (1960-1985) and, more recently, a community in gradual demographic decline. It will highlight the significant contribution and impact of Marrickville’s Greek community to multicultural Australia, justifying the designation as “Little Greece”, and will discuss the future of the Greek presence in Marrickville.
The Greek Festival of Sydney is proud to bring you the best up-and-coming Greek-Aussie standup comedians to Canterbury Leagues Club on Saturday, 15 March, hosted by Anthony Locascio – fresh from his hugely successful ‘Pappou’ tour and headlined by the one and only Eloise Eftos!
The pair will be joined by the talented Charisa Bossinakis, Stella Kappos, Korinna Gouros & Chris Demos, so expect a night of side-splitting laughs, classic Greek banter with a side of tongue-in-cheek! Tickets are just $35 (+ booking fee).
Sat 15 March 6.30pm
$35 + BF
Hellenic Horizons: Greek Women Leading the Path to Progress
Taking place on Sunday, March 16, this event will feature a dynamic discussion panel under the theme “March Forward” with inspiring speakers, including:
Lieutenant Commander Pelagia Markogiannakis, Deputy Director Navy Infrastructure.
Mary Konstantopoulos: Women’s sport advocate & Founder of ‘Ladies Who League.’
Stefanie Costi: Anti-bullying lawyer.
Moderated by Andriana Simos, Digital Editor of The Greek Herald, our panellists will share their insights and success stories, inspiring others to march forward toward greater inclusion and a brighter future.
Renowned photographers Effy Alexakis and Yannis Dramitinos will also have an exhibition on display featuring inspiring photographs of Hellenic women in Australia.
3.30pm, Sunday 16 March
The Grand Roxy, Reef Room, 128 The Grand Parade, Brighton-Le-Sands
The 2025 Nicholas Aroney Democracy Lecture: Athenian Democracy – its evolution, values and modern relevance
The Hon Anthe Philippides, former judge of the Queensland Supreme Court will deliver the 2025 Aroney Democracy Lecture by examining ancient Athenian democracy and asking difficult questions of what and how we in the modern world may learn. Light refreshments will be served after the lecture.
Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 6.00PM – 7.00PM
$20 + BF (including light refreshments)
Pavilion, Chau Chak Wing Museum University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
A Tribute to Stelios Kazantzidis – By Thanasis Pylarinos and Ensemble
Thursday 20 Mar, 7pm
The Factory Theatre
$35 + BF
1974-2024:Fifty Years Of Democracy In The Birthplace Of Democracy – Lecture by the Consul-General of Greece Ioannis Mallikourtis and Professor Vrasidas Karalis
In July 1074, a momentous political shift took place in Greece, due to the Cyprus catastrophe, after the Turkish invasion. The Dictatorship collapsed and through certain ingenious political manoeuvres the third Hellenic Republic was announced after the return from Paris of the exiled former prime minister Constantine Karamanlis. Despite many problems, financial, social and political however the young republic gained strength and consolidated itself over the last fifty years, the most peaceful and stable decades in the history of the Greek nation-state.
The lecture explores precisely what happened during the last fifty years and why democracy was established after so many upheavals in the land where its was born. It also explores the central personalities that defined its trajectory, their policies and aspirations and finally attempts and interpretation of the factors that made the Greek nation state so unstable and volatile. It also attempts a prediction about its future within the geopolitical realities of Eastern Mediterranean and the rather pessimistic future of the European Union.
6.30pm, Thursday 27 March 2025
The Barnet Long Room, Customs House 31 Alfred Street, Sydney 2000
Greek Writing In Australia:An Evening With The Authors(Panel Talk)
Writing in the Greek language has a long history in Sydney and new works are continually being published. In this event, Greek-language writers will present their work and discuss it with the audience. Taking part will be Yannis Dramitinos, whose bilingual ‘Divertente and Other Poems’ appeared in 2022; George Michelakakis, whose new book ‘Η φαντασιακή ζωή στην ιστορία του πολιτισμού’ has particular relevance to Greek creativity in Australia, and Adrian Kazas, whose poems were published under the title ‘Εκεί που φυσούν οι άνεμοι.’
7.00pm, Thursday 3 April 2025
Greek Community Club, 206-210 Lakemba St Lakemba NSW 2195
Fri & Sat 7:30pm / Sun: 5pm (no performances on Easter long weekend)
The Greek Theatre at Addi Road – Mantouridion
Bldg 36 Addison Rd Community Centre (142 Addison Rd)
$35/$30. Book here: Hellenictheatre.com.au or call 0413 989 007
Greek Rock Tribute
IHO NYX Accompanied by Carly Yelayiotis
Sunday 6 April, 6.30pm
The Factory Theatre
$35 + BF
The Ionian Islands: History and heritage –Illustrated talk by Alfred Vincent, music by Makis Voutsinas and Thanasis Pylarinos
The Ionian islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Ithaki, Kerkyra, Paxoi and Lefkada, together with Kythera, have a special profile in the modern history and culture of Greece, owing to their geographical position and the experience of Venetian and then British rule. Having researched intensively on Greece under the Venetians, Alfred Vincent will describe some effects of this distinct history on the islands’ music, poetry, art and traditional life, as well as reminding us of Ionian contributions to Italian culture. The talk will be in Greek, with a detailed English summary and illustrations on Powerpoint.
Greek Community Club, Lakemba (206-210 Lakemba Street, Lakemba)
Leonard Cohen’s life and music on Hydra:The legacy of a legend – Lecture by Professor Vrasidas Karalis
In 1959, Leonard Cohen, the young unknown then musician and poet from Canada, went for the first time to the Greek island of Hydra where his spent the next decade and where he wrote some of his most popular and emblematic songs.
The lecture explores his residence on the island, his contact with the local population and the special form of cultural cosmopolitanism his inaugurated that became a global movement in the next decades. After he moved out, Cohen visited Hydra almost till the end of his life and always stressed that “his education in the world” started on that small island. The lecture attempts a brief assessment of his legend and artistic legacy by discussing his life and interactions with the locals and his memories from the island.
SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAM – Mythos, the myths of Ancient Greece (Workshop)
The Chau Chak Wing Museum and the Greek Festival of Sydney present a series of children’s workshops designed to explore the world ancient Greek gods, goddesses, heroes and heroines!
Explore the myths of Ancient Greece in this school holiday program with archaeologists and ancient historians from the Chau Chak Wing Museum as we take you on a journey through the collection of vases, statues and other works of art of Ancient Greece.
Throughout the workshops, you’ll be able to:
Handle ancient Greek artefacts and discover how archaeologists learn about the past
Hear ancient mythological stories of gods, goddess and heroes
Make your own ferocious monster
Help decorate an ancient Greek vase with your favourite mythological scene
Explore the museum for ancient heroes, goddesses and gods
These activities are perfect for children aged 6-12. Parents/guardians are required to stay with children throughout the session.
Monday 14 April 2025 – Thursday 24 April 2025, 10.30am – 12.30pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Tickets $20 +BF per child (adults and carers free). Bookings essential here
Nikos Kazantzakis and Sri Aurobindo: A spiritual co-vision Solo art exhibition by Ouresis Todorovich (Uros T. Todorovic)
Dr Vassilis Adrahtas, along with Associate Professor Ouresis Todorovich (University of Macau), present an exhibition of the latter’s art, which envisions a dialogue between the writer Nikos Kazantzakis and the Indian thinker Sri Aurobindo. This event is organised by the Sydney Branch of the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis with the aim of visualising the message of both intellectuals as an ascending movement towards the ever-increasing Divinity in human and cosmic life. Ultimately, the exhibition becomes a contemplative intercultural space that draws connections between existing information but also appreciates afresh ideas and cultures.
Tuesday 22 April – Saturday 26 April 2025 10am – 6pm
Greece and India: A Dialogue between Nikos Kazantzakis and Sri Aurobindo – Panel discussion and artbook launch
Six artists, the Art of Life Collective, have connected with Sri Aurobindo’s spiritual message through their teacher’s personal quest.
Dr Vassilis Adrahtas invited them to ‘talk’ with the Indian philosopher and Nikos Kazantzakis, since both promoted the integration of nature and consciousness.
The artists co-present this binding through the artbook Consciousness’ Journey to the Transcendent: Turning the Finite to Infinity. It’s launching accompanies a discussion and Q&A organized by the International Society of Friends of Nikos Kazantzakis (Sydney branch), on Kazantzakis’ affinities with Aurobindo and other Indian thinkers. Coordinated by Themi Kallos, it features Dr Vasilis Adrahtas, Dr Alfred Vincent and specialists on Indian thought.
Greek cities in the Eastern Mediterranean:Local, Greek and Roman heritages in urban landscapes and the role of excavation history – Lecture by Professor Rubina Raja
The archaeological legacy of Greek urban design in the cities of the ancient Near East and eastern Mediterranean.
Explore the cultural layers of the urban centres of the eastern Mediterranean with one of the world’s leading urban archaeologists.
This lecture revisits some of these long-established centres of the Greek and Roman Near East, and the various ancient peoples who inhabited them. It traces, through the archaeology and historical sources, the transformation of these cities over centuries – also those before the Romans arrived – and asks in which ways we can begin to disentangle the various cultural impacts and legacies visible and invisibly embedded into the fabric of these urban centres.
Thursday 24 April 2025, 6.00pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Director: Dr. Helen Vatsikopoulos, Professional Fellow, UTS
Deputy director: Dr. Vasiliki Veros
The biggest Greek-Australian Writers’ Festival yet, with parallel sessions and the launching of two new books. Works presented will include contemporary storytelling, photography books, retellings of Greek mythology, memoirs, and a study in psychology.
The exhibition and the related book explore urban culture through photography, graffiti and movement. The first chapter is inspired by Aligiannis’ award-winning short documentary Louie (KR. ONE)
Gasparro 5PointZ, featuring images of graffiti captured at the iconic 5Pointz, before the walls were whitewashed and the building demolished. The energy of this space is amplified by breakdancer Ze Motion, who echoes the artistry of the graffiti. The second chapter shifts to Brooklyn’s Bushwick Collective, where artists can still come to create. Through bold graffiti and the dynamic presence of Ze Motion, it highlights the energy and accessibility of New York’s street art.
Tue 29 April – Sun 1 May 2025, 10am – 6pm
Official opening event Tue 29 April @ 6.30pm
Sun 4 May 2025, 10am-4pm Luna Studio Art Gallery (465 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042)
FREE
No bookings required
From Ancient to Modern Wines – Greek Wine Tasting Event
Red figure column krater with symposium scene on one side, Naples Painter, Athens, 450-425 BC.
In this evening of celebrating Greek wines hear a number of short talks from archaeologists and historians about the important role of wine in the ancient Greek world and how this manifest itself in the way Greeks engaged with the gift of Dionysos.
Then courtesy of the Greek Trade Commission join us for a wine tasting event, in which we sample a variety of wines from vineyards across Greece and celebrate the legacy of Hellenic wine from ancient to modern.
Thu 1 April 2025 | 6.00pm
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place, Camperdown NSW 2050
Book tickets $20 +BF
2nd Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition – Awards Ceremony
As an integral part of the 43rd Greek Festival of Sydney an exciting youth project has been announced; the 2nd Greek Youth Creative Arts Competition. The competition, an extraordinary platform for burgeoning talents to shine, will commence between December 2024 – March 2025 in Arts, Writing, Music and Performing with submissions in 3 different age categories (12-15, 16-18, 19-24 Y.O.). All Greek and Greek-at-heart Youth of NSW are urged to submit their artwork by 31st March 2025.
2:00pm Sunday 4 May 2025
Chau Chak Wing Museum, University Place Camperdown NSW 2050
