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Patras Carnival 2025 marks a historic celebration of creativity and joy

The 2025 Patras Carnival is set to go down in history as one of the most vibrant and spectacular celebrations in the city’s history.

The highlight of this year’s festivities, the Grand Sunday Parade, marked the beginning of a non-stop, unprecedented celebration, transforming Patras into a sprawling field of dance, entertainment, and creativity.

The city’s transformation into a festive wonderland was described by the KEDIP as “the largest pan-European youth meeting,” spreading energy, vitality, and hope throughout.

A total of 55,000 carnivalists in 165 groups showcased their creative spirit, parading through the city in imaginative costumes and on intricately designed floats.

The parade featured an array of vibrant, artistic creations with elements of satire and high-level craftsmanship, produced year-round by the city’s Carnival Workshop.

The festivities began with carnival tunes from the Municipal Music, followed by cheerleaders from Mina Panagiotopoulou’s dance school.

Key highlights included the Flower Chariot with Carnival Queen Eleni Bada, and satirical floats such as “We will drink the water a little bit,” highlighting the issue of water privatisation, and “Gang Bank,” addressing the city’s ongoing suburban railway challenges.

The University of Patras joined in with its own float, celebrating the institution’s 60th anniversary.

Other notable floats included “The Mermaid” and “The Horse,” marine-themed displays, and the popular “Puppets” and “21 Cats” from the Children’s Carnival.

Unique creative groups, like the “Carnival Generals” and “SphigKES,” brought fresh performances, including a new piece called “OrnTHES” that humorously explored chickens.

The excitement continued with dancing and performances by various crews, energising the crowds.

DJs including Stelios Apostolopoulos and Konstantinos Georgiou provided the soundtrack to an unforgettable celebration, culminating in the traditional chocolate-throwing finale, a sweet end to a lively day.

Patras Mayor Costas Peletidis praised the participants, particularly the youth, for their enthusiasm and creativity, calling them the heart of the carnival.

The parade was broadcast live by ERT2, bringing the festivities to viewers across Greece and beyond, allowing those unable to attend to experience the magic of the Patras Carnival.

Source: The Best.

Greek PM faces no-confidence vote amid mass protests over Tempi train tragedy

Citizens across Greece and abroad rallied on Friday, February 28, to mark the second anniversary of the Tempi train disaster, which claimed 57 lives and left many seriously injured.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the public in a weekly briefing, acknowledging the demand for “truth and justice” from both those who marched and those who mourned silently.

“The citizens demanded the obvious: truth and justice for the victims, a state that takes action to ensure such a tragedy is never repeated, and safe and modern public transport,” Mitsotakis stated.

The Athens rally, with an estimated 430,000 attendees, highlighted growing public frustration over the lack of accountability for the crash.

A report released by the Hellenic Air and Rail Accident Investigation Authority (HARSIA) revealed mishandling of the crash site, which led to the loss of crucial evidence.

All photos copyright The Greek Herald.

Mitsotakis admitted that the country’s infrastructure had been insufficiently modernised and vowed to upgrade the rail system, beginning with the Athens-Thessaloniki line.

Despite government pledges, anger persists, with opposition parties calling for the PM’s resignation and accusing him of mishandling the aftermath.

“This tragedy was not just a terrible coincidence nor merely human error,” Mitsotakis said, stressing the need for decisive reforms.

“I once again urge everyone to trust the judiciary and allow it to carry out its work unbiasedly. In a state governed by the rule of law, only the judiciary has the responsibility, authority, and ability to bring clarity to a case that has caused us so much pain – not political parties, nor public opinion,” he added. 

He also urged trust in the judiciary to bring clarity to the ongoing investigation. However, with public confidence in institutions waning, the political fallout intensifies.

Protests erupted in multiple cities, including clashes in Athens and Thessaloniki, where demonstrators commemorated the victims and called for justice.

Thousands of Greeks participated in a general strike, with many sectors halting work to honour the lives lost.

All photos copyright The Greek Herald.

The tragic crash, which occurred on February 28, 2023, when an intercity train collided with a freight train, has come to symbolise the neglect of the nation’s infrastructure.

The government’s response has faced heavy criticism for the slow pace of justice and the lack of accountability.

A parliamentary vote of no confidence is set for Wednesday, March 5, with the main opposition PASOK party and leftist SYRIZA expected to lead the charge.

Meanwhile, the grief-stricken families of the victims, like Anastasia Plakia, continue to demand justice, with one posting: “730 days without you; 730 days of sadness, pain, and rage.”

As protests continue, the public’s patience with the government is running thin, and the push for reform grows louder.

Source: Ekathimerini.

ABSC Inc. holds media conference and dinner to promote Ekonomos, Issue 6, 2025

The Australian Business Summit Council Inc. hosted its annual Media Conference and Dinner at Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining, Drummoyne, New South Wales on 20th February 2025 to promote the forthcoming publication of the sixth issue of EKONOMOS, the Council’s business affairs magazine.

One hundred and twenty VIPs and guests attended this significant event, including H.E. Mr. Hani Nagi (Ambassador of Egypt); H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono (Ambassador of Indonesia); Dr. Joseph Rizk AM (CEO / Managing Director, Arab Bank Australia Ltd.); and the Consuls General of Italy, Poland, New Zealand, and Indonesia, with senior diplomats from the Consulates General of Turkey, the Slovak Republic and the United States, and business leaders, academics, legal practitioners and representative members of the multicultural press to celebrate the notable expansion and influence of one of Australia’s leading business management consultant forums.

ABSC Inc. president for the sixth consecutive year, Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD welcomed the first-rate audience with an overview of the Council, established on 20th December 2018 as an incorporated, not-for-profit association that serves to promote sound policies and practices which enable business people to pursue strong opportunities in Australia and abroad, as well as encouraging robust debates and discussions on substantial issues relating to business relationships between Australia and the international community, and publishing an annual business affairs magazine, EKONOMOS for both the general and specialised reading public, featuring well-written and informative articles about business, trade and investment from distinguished leaders in economics, politics, and diplomacy within the Australian and international communities.

Dr. Frank Alafaci and Councillor Sylvia Alafaci
Dr. Frank Alafaci and Councillor Sylvia Alafaci.

EKONOMOS, Issue 6, 2025 will consist of twenty-four article contributions, led by the ABSC Inc. president Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD, featuring H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono (Ambassador of Indonesia); H.E. Mr. Sinchai Manivanh (Ambassador of Laos); H.E. Mr. Hani Nagi (Ambassador of Egypt); H.E. Mr. Beka Dvali (Ambassador of Georgia); H.E. Mr. Vitaliano Gallardo Valencia (Ambassador of Peru); H.E. Mrs. Tanieris Dieguez La O (Ambassador of Cuba); H.E. Dr. Wilson Togo (High Commissioner of Kenya); H.E. Dr. Elias Munshya (High Commissioner of Zambia); H.E. Dr. Md. Shariah Firoz Dewan (Acting High Commissioner of Bangladesh); Mr. Qamar Zaman (Consul General of Pakistan); Mr. David Wu (Director General, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office); Ms. Indiana Trejos Gallo (Deputy Minister of Foreign Trade / President of the National Trade Facilitation Council of Costa Rica); Ms. Simona Bernardini (Director, Italian Trade Agency); Mr. Joe Screnci (Executive Chairman, Hoffman Reed Pty. Ltd.); Mr. Brian Young  (CEO, AES Environmental Pty. Ltd.); Mr. Richard Yuan (Chairman, Australia China Entrepreneurs Club); Mr. Bob Croft (Director, EZMarketing Pty. Ltd.); Ms. Nerva Kay Ghamraoui (Managing Director, Katalyst Construction Pty. Ltd.); Mr. Mamun Haque (Managing Director, Greenleaf Cosmetics Pty. Ltd.); Dr. Anthony De Francesco (Managing Director, Real investment Analytics Pty. Ltd.); Assoc. Professor Art Phillips (Founder / Director, 101 Music Pty. Ltd.); Professor Hans Hendrischke (School of Business, University of Sydney); and Mr. Michael Short (Partner, Madison Marcus), Mr. Eric Boone (Partner, Madison Marcus) and Mr. Ramy Qutami (Managing Director, Madison Marcus) as joint article contributors.

Highlighting the Media Conference and Dinner, the official program for the evening comprised keynote speeches by H.E. Mr. Hani Nagi (Ambassador of Egypt) who stressed the alignment between Egypt and Australia in key sectors, such as mining, infrastructure, clean energy, technology and education; whilst Dr. Joseph Rizk AM (CEO / Managing Director, Arab Bank Australia Ltd.) shared valuable insights on effective leadership strategies for organisations during challenging times; and H.E. Dr. Siswo Pramono (Ambassador of Indonesia), addressed the primary role of continuous trade in tackling the global issue of the shrinking middle-income class; followed by an interactive one-hour Question and Answer session on business, trade and investment moderated by the ABSC Inc. President, Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD between the function’s eminent speakers and members of the audience.

ABSC Inc. president, Dr. Frank Alafaci PhD concluded the Media Conference and Dinner with his formal acknowledgement of the Council’s sponsors: Alliance Project Group; Trade Window and Drs. ABCD First Aid Training; plus DMG Fine Wines for kindly providing a selection of high-quality wine bottles as gifts for the keynote speakers and diplomatic officials who attended the occasion; and the Council’s Board of Directors: Mr. Rouad El Ayoubi (vice president); Mr. Mark Malak (treasurer); Mr. Vikas Rawat; Mr. John Caputo; Mrs. Mas Meuross (Councillor of the City of Canada Bay); and especially Mrs. Sylvia Alafaci (ABSC Inc. secretary / Councillor of the City of Canada Bay) for her tireless dedication to meticulously organising the formalities, selecting the five-star reception centre, preparing the table arrangements and beautiful floral decorations, and expertly liaising with the Aqua Luna Waterfront Dining events management team led by Ms. Anna Finini to whom the Australian Business Summit Council Inc. owes an immense debt of gratitude for their kindness, patience and professionalism.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Gozleme

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for gozleme with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram @mygreekkitchen for more!

INGREDIENTS: Makes 4

  • 1 sachet instant dried yeast – 7 grams
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 300ml warm tap water
  • 3 cups plain flour
  • 6 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • 400 gm washed and dried baby spinach
  • 80 gm mozzarella cheese grated
  • 250 gm Greek feta (such as Dodoni), crumbled
    butter

METHOD:

  1.  Combine the dried yeast, sugar and water in a jug and stir well. Place jug in a warm spot in the kitchen and cover with a plate for about 10 minutes till yeast is activated and bubbles form on the surface.
  2. In a medium size bowl, scrunch and tear the washed and dried spinach till its semi wilted and add the crumbled feta. Stir with a fork and set aside.
  3. In another bowl, mix your flour with the yeast mixture till a dough starts to form. Add your olive oil and salt.  Knead dough till its smooth and elastic  – approx. 7 minutes. Cut dough into 4 pieces and place on a clean plate that has been greased with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Cover with a clean tea towel, place in a warm place and allow to rise or double in size (approx. 20-30 minutes depending how warm your kitchen is).
  4. Roll each piece of dough to a circle of approx. 40cm with a rolling pin. Place a quarter of the spinach/feta mixture onto the bottom half of each circle and sprinkle 20gms of the mozzarella on top. Fold the top part of the circle over the filling to enclose it. With a fork or your fingers press the edges together to seal the gozleme.
  5. Preheat a large skillet or grill pan/cast iron griddle on medium to high heat. Place about a teaspoon of butter onto your griddle/pan and swivel it around so it covers the pan. Place your gozleme onto the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes till the base is golden and dough looks cooked. Turn gozeleme over and cook for a further 2-3 minutes – do not add extra butter. Once the gozleme is cooked on both sides remove and place onto a clean plate. While still hot, butter the gozleme (the unbuttered side) and cover with a clean tea towel. Repeat the process for the remaining and place them on top of each other to keep the warm and soft.

Niki Louca runs cooking classes in Melbourne. For more or to book classes visit My Greek Kitchen at www.mygreekkitchen.com.au or Instagram @mygreekkitchen. You can email Niki at: niki@mygreekkitchen.com.au.

From late nights to leadership: How Julia Zisos is shaping the legal profession

Women solicitors have continued to outnumber their male counterparts in all Australian states and territories since the trend was first observed in 2018.

The Australian legal profession has more than 90,000 practising solicitors.

The 2022 National Profile of Solicitors (compiled by consultancy firm Urbis) confirmed that women now make up 55 per cent of all solicitors in Australia.

Source: The Lawyer Mag

Adelaide lawyer Julia Zisos, 30, a senior associate for WRP Legal & Advisory, has been tireless in her approach to work and study. While studying law she also worked full-time at WRP Legal & Advisory, working many late nights to fulfill her goals.

Last year, Julia was named as one of 50 Australasian Lawyer’s Elite Women of 2024 who made their mark shaping the legal landscape and championing change in their workplace.

Julia was ‘honoured’ to be selected and acknowledged that while the hours in the legal profession are long, with many challenges for women, there have been significant positive changes since 2020, making it easier to take work home.

Lawyer Julia Zisos with her yiayia Eleni Loutas.

“The profession still provides challenges unique to women,” she said.

“Though the research shows women now make up of half of the legal profession, the partnerships remain predominately male. Shifting this balance will take time, but it’s inspiring to see a new wave of young women entering the profession with fresh perspectives and fierce ambition.

“Today, it’s easier to leave the office and pick it back up at home, giving us more flexibility and balance in a demanding career.”

Source: The Lawyer Mag

Her legal career began in her third year at university when she joined WRP Legal – a small firm but with a big work opportunity to grow in a hands-on environment by assisting all the lawyers and navigating the legal world.

“What elevated me was the support from the directors,” she said.

“They have a genuine interest in the development of the junior team, providing mentorship that went beyond passing knowledge – they want us to thrive.”

While she is not involved in any formal mentoring programs at the firm, Julia, who is a senior associate, feels it is important to support new women employees.

“I make sure I provide an environment where they feel comfortable to come to me with questions they may not be comfortable asking a male director,” she said.

“It’s important to me that they have someone who understands their experiences and can offer guidance that resonates with their perspective.”

Julia Zisos lawyer at WRP Legal.

Julia’s achievements are long, but she is most proud of completing a Master of Laws from the University of Sydney, working fulltime and sacrificing precious weekends to meet course requirements and to study for exams.

“From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” she said.

“The late nights made it that much more meaningful – a test of endurance and commitment that made me stronger and more dedicated than before.

“My family has quite a few lawyers and their influence was everywhere. It wasn’t until law school that I truly understood the breath of the legal world.

“Ironically, the only clear choice I had at that point was I didn’t want to be a criminal lawyer.”

Recently, Julia joined the board of the Windmill Theatre Company that provides specific theatre performances for schools.

As a youngster, her parents exposed her to the arts and those memories prompted her to apply for the position to join the board with responsibilities that include budgets, strategic direction and long-term goals.

“Windmill has some incredibly exciting projects underway,” she said.

“The creative team at Windmill has a real gift for storytelling that captivates younger audiences, consistently bringing a sense of wonder and excitement that resonates deeply with children.

“There are some very exciting ideas currently in production, and I am very excited to see these come to fruition.”

‘Rule of law in classical Sparta’: Miltiadis Paikopoulos to give seminar in Melbourne

In this presentation, Miltiadis Paikopoulos will aim to shed light on Spartan legal culture, in particular that which was present in Sparta during the Classical Period (the 5th to 4th centuries BC).

Existing scholarship on Ancient Greek Law focuses heavily on Athens, and what studies do exist on Sparta are often hindered by misconceptions. So, this presentation hopes to combat these common issues.

After a short outline of the historical context, the presentation will focus on four major Spartan legal institutions: (1) the Diarchy, (2) Gerousia, (3) Ephorate and (4) Ekklesia. In doing so, he argues that a unique legal culture did develop in Sparta, and that Spartan Rule of law meant arranging their legal system so as to promote the city’s political morality.

So, in describing what Sparta’s political morality was, and how the city-state’s legal institutions promoted that political morality, we may begin to understand what Spartan Rule of Law actually meant.

Bio:

Miltiadis Paikopoulos is a lawyer, author and classicist. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Classics and Ancient World Studies from the University of Melbourne, and his Juris Doctorate from the University of Melbourne Law School.

Miltiadis specialises in international and cultural repatriation law, Ancient Greek law and political theory, as well as Spartan history. He teaches the Classical Greek language and maintains an interest in Byzantine Greek and Latin. He volunteers with his ancestral Greek regional association in Brunswick, the Pallaconian Brotherhood, where he was the founding Youth President.

He is currently working on a paper studying the Byzantine and Crusader castles in his home region of Laconia in Greece, from the 8th century to the middle of the 15th century.

Event Details:

  • When: Thursday 6 March 2025, 7pm
  • Speaker: Miltiadis Paikopoulos
  • SEMINAR: The Rule of Law in Classical Sparta
  • Where: Greek Centre (Mezzanine, 168 Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
  • Entry: Free

Cable car plan sparks controversy in historic Monemvasia

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A proposed €6.8 million cable car in the medieval town of Monemvasia, southern Greece, has sparked fierce opposition from residents and experts, who argue it would harm the site’s historic character. Critics compare the project to installing a cable car at the Acropolis—an intrusive addition prioritizing tourism over heritage, according to an article by Giorgos Lialios in ekathimerini.com

During a public discussion in Athens, organized by the Friends of Monemvasia Association, concerns were raised about overtourism and environmental impact. Association president Niki Vaitsou dismissed claims that the project improves accessibility, suggesting alternative solutions exist.

Beyond heritage concerns, opponents highlight the project’s estimated €50,000 annual operational costs and argue that local issues—such as inadequate water supply, poor sewage infrastructure, and hazardous cobbled streets—should take priority.

The project faces legal challenges, with opponents filing an appeal to the Council of State and seeking recognition under Europa Nostra’s endangered heritage program. They call for a re-evaluation to prevent irreversible damage to Monemvasia’s unique identity.

Source: ekathimerini.com

Forgiveness Sunday: The final Sunday before Great Lent

Forgiveness Sunday, also known as Cheesefare Sunday, is the final Sunday before Great Lent in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It marks the transition into the Lenten season, emphasizing repentance, humility, and forgiveness. The Church services on this day highlight Adam and Eve’s exile from Paradise, reminding the faithful of humanity’s separation from God due to sin and the call to seek His mercy.

The biblical theme of this Sunday is twofold: Adam’s expulsion from Eden and the necessity of forgiveness. The Gospel reading (Matthew 6:14-21) stresses that true repentance is incomplete without forgiving others. A special Vespers service, known as the Vespers of Forgiveness, concludes the day, during which worshippers seek mutual forgiveness, signifying the communal journey through Lent.

The icon of this feast depicts Adam and Eve standing in shame before Christ as they are led out of Paradise by an angel. This visual representation reinforces the consequences of sin and the hope of restoration through Christ’s sacrifice.

Cheesefare Sunday is also the last day to consume dairy products before the strict Lenten fast begins on Clean Monday. It serves as both a physical and spiritual preparation for the fasting season.

Orthodox Christians are encouraged to enter Lent with prayer, fasting, and confession. The journey of Great Lent is not undertaken alone but as a united community, supported by the prayers of the saints and one another in faith.

Met museum returns stolen 7th century bronze griffin head to Greece

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art has returned a seventh-century B.C.E. bronze griffin head to Greece after internal research confirmed it was stolen from the Archaeological Museum of Olympia in the 1930s.

The artifact, discovered in 1914 in the Kladeos River, was housed in Olympia’s museum before it disappeared. It resurfaced in 1948 at New York’s Joseph Brummer Gallery and was later donated to the Met in 1972 by former trustee Walter C. Baker. A review of records revealed it had been illegally removed, prompting its restitution.

At a ceremony in New York, Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni officially received the artifact from Met Director Max Hollein. Under an agreement, the griffin head will return to the Met for an exhibition next year. Mendoni praised the museum’s efforts in provenance research and its commitment to cultural heritage.

The Met has faced growing scrutiny over the origins of its collection. Last year, it expanded its provenance research team, appointing Lucian Simmons, Sotheby’s former restitution head, to lead efforts.

During her visit, Mendoni also discussed cultural heritage protections with U.S. officials and oversaw the return of an ancient Greek lekythos from Pennsylvania’s Glencairn Museum. Additionally, talks are ongoing for a major Greek antiquities exhibition linked to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The U.S. and Greece are also negotiating the renewal of a 2011 agreement to combat antiquities trafficking, set to expire in 2026.

Sources: smithsonianmag, artnews.com

SA artist Christina Katsiokalis embraces the ‘Ebb and Flow’

Christina Katsiokalis has always had a passion for creativity.

However, it wasn’t until after giving birth, that she decided to seek out a therapeutic hobby and open her own business creating textured artworks.

In an interview with The Greek Herald, the new mother from Adelaide, South Australia, shared how her journey with Ebb and Flow Textures began.

“I started out because it was recommended to me after I went through a bit of postnatal anxiety, to have some sort of creative outlet,” Christina told The Greek Herald.

“I first began experimenting with textured florals and learning that technique, and I would just paint in my lounge room once my baby had gone to sleep, and I found that would help me relax a lot.

“My husband could sort of see that it was helping me a lot, and so he would then come home with pencils, paints, brushes, easels and things like that to encourage me, and then eventually we turned our study into a bit of an art studio.”

The Greek Australian artist said after developing her own art studio, she’d practice her craft with any spare second she had.

“My favourite aesthetic is and has always been Greece,” Christina said.

“As I got better, I would just practice all the things I loved about Greece, like the architecture, the beaches and the food, and I guess that’s where my niche has sort of found its way.”

Going with the flow

Christina founded her small business, Ebb and Flow Textures, in 2023. She named it to reflect her journey of embracing life’s ‘ebb and flow.’

“Starting up my own business allowed me to take my mind off the need to control everything, which I guess is what postnatal anxiety all about is,” the 34-year-old said.

“I was just so overprotective about my baby and I was very consumed in that, and so I decided to name the business ‘Ebb and Flow’ as it’s the opposite of what I was doing, and I needed to just go with the flow more.”

Christina’s art then became an essential part of her identity, allowing her to channel her love for Greece into creative works.

“I just love the way creating art kind of stops time, and you can get lost in it. It just really helps calm my nervous system too,” she said.

Many of Christina’s textured art pieces depict scenes inspired by her travels to Greece, with a focus on the beauty of the Greek islands, their architecture and the delicious food.

“I’ve dabbled in lots of things like collaging, crocheting, textiles, and painting, but texture painting is a little bit different and it’s something I really enjoy. You use palette knives and it’s kind of like oil painting,” Christina said.

“Many of my pieces are inspired by pictures I have taken in Greece, and they feature things like buildings, doors, and beaches.

“In the future, I would love to just go back to Greece and have the main focus to go around and take lots of photos and just have a lot of imagery that I can bring back and paint. I would absolutely love that.”

From the studio to customers homes

Christina said she didn’t expect to see her business boom.

“But I’ve now sold over 15 paintings in the last year and had some commissions as well and it’s just been really nice to have people want to have my work in their home,” she said.

“My friends, my family and my customers have been really supportive too. I’ve also got lots of people from the Greek community in particular who are following my journey on social media and cheering me on.”

Christina hopes to expand Ebb and Flow Textures in the future.

“I’d love to have an exhibition one day, and then see where it leads me,” she said.

“It would be an absolute dream to even take on the business full-time, but for now, I am happy to continue teaching part time as I do enjoy that too.

“Whatever happens, I’m sticking with the name ‘Ebb and Flow’ too, as although I do have high aspirations for the business, I’m just going with the flow and seeing where it takes me and just enjoying it along the way.”