The vibrant 2025 Estia Greek festival, a celebration of culture, community, and connection took place for another year in Tasmania, Australia, last weekend.
The festival, first held in 1994, is organized by the Greek Community of Tasmania and remains a major cultural event in Hobart, Tasmania’s capital.
This year it was expanded from one to two days, until February 2. It featured authentic Greek food, like souvlaki and loukoumades, live music (traditional folk and modern bouzouki), traditional Greek dancing and family-friendly activities, aiming to bring the sounds, sights and flavors of Greece to the heart of Hobart and the broader Tasmanian population.
Moreover, it immerses those who attend in authentic Greek traditions and honors generations of Greek migrants who have contributed to Tasmania’s cultural and social fabric. Up to 10,000 locals and tourists attend the festival each year.
Archbishop Makarios on the importance of community
Archbishop of Australia Makarios watched a performance from the Hellenic Dancers, toured the Greek Community, and met with community members and local politicians.
When being asked about the meaning of community: “Community is the opposite of isolation…The message of community is that we have to share; share our time, our materials, our smile – share everything.”
When asked about his advice for the future generations: “To stay close to our traditions and to our ethos. This is something I used to say to any community; to keep their identity. And we have to keep our identity as Greek and Orthodox.
“I am very proud of the Greek Community here and I’m very proud of the community of Hobart generally because they’re all together,” Makarios added.
The involvement of young people, a highlight of Estia Greek festival
“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,” Manoli Kalimnios, President of the Greek Community of Tasmania said.
“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,” Emanuel Roussos, the General Manager of the Greek Community of Tasmania noted.
“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,” said Kalimnios.
The Greek community in Tasmania
The Greek community in Tasmania has a long and proud history, with roots stretching back to the early 20th century.
Many Greek migrants arrived in search of new opportunities, bringing with them their language, traditions and an unwavering sense of community. These cultural values have been passed down through generations and remain at the heart of the festival.
The Estia (meaning ‘home’ in Greek) Greek Festival is a reflection of this community’s dedication to preserving their heritage while sharing it with others.
