The second year of the Greek Festival of Sydney’s return to Brighton-Le-Sands proved to be yet another major success with tens of thousands flooding Bay Street in a huge celebration of Hellenism.
The Greek Fest at Bay Street took over the seaside area all day on Sunday (16 November) with an abundance of music, dancing, food and other cultural delights.
The event, organised by the Greek Orthodox Community of NSW and Greek Festival of Sydney, marked its second edition since returning to the area that once hosted the launch of the Greek Festival of Sydney which now takes place at Darling Harbour.
Thousands of spectators flowed throughout the day to experience the event, much to the pleasure of the organisers.
“(The Greek Fest) has been a success as you can see by looking around you…We are happy that so many of you were able to come today and enjoy the day with us,” said GOC NSW President Harry Danalis during the formal ceremony.
Nia Karteris, Chair of the Greek Festival of Sydney, added:
“To see the Greek flag and the thousands of Greeks here, I am not only proud but I am moved so much. This festival does not happen without you.”
Georgios Skemperis, Consul General of Greece in Sydney, noted how he has already seen firsthand in his short time in the NSW capital how its Greek Australians have successfully retained their culture.
“You are a successful case of integration, You can be at the same time wonderful Australians and wonderful Greeks.”
He highlighted that, in organising events like this, “Greek Australians and Australians can experience together what the Greek way of living is”.
Stephen Kamper, NSW Minister for Multiculturalism, praised the numerous Hellenes present, saying:
“There is probably four generations of Greeks that are here celebrating today and that is a testament to the Greek community that we hold onto our culture.”
Eleni Petinos, NSW MP representing Opposition Leader Mark Speakman, stated the Greek Fest ” highlights why Australia is such a multicultural community and why we believe it is the most successful multicultural country in the world”.
Matt Thistlethwaite, Federal MP for Kingsford Smith, labelled the event “a celebration of all those wonderful things the Hellenic culture has given us”.
Ash Ambihaipahar, Federal MP for Barton, heaped praise on the number of young people present.
“It is so good to so many of you guys out here to make sure you enjoy Australia but also to continue the culture of our Greek heritage here in our country,” Ambihaipahar said.
Bayside Mayor Edward McDougall similarly expressed his thanks to the huge turnout for the event.
“Here at Bayside council we are so incredibly proud of our vibrant Greek community. This is the heart of Greek hospitality in Sydney,” McDougall said.
Anastasios Polychronis, Commander of the Greek Military Academy, and Kieran McKenna from Bank of Sydney also spoke positively on the event and its impact.
The day was filled with entertainment throughout the day with many local musical acts and performances by numerous dance groups.
The event capped off with a performance by its headline artist, Maria Maroulis, in an evening concert that served as the final touch to a full day.
