New York’s Greek Independence Parade Draws Crowds on Fifth Avenue (Vids & Pics)

NEW YORK – A cloudy morning gave way to sunny skies for the New York Greek Independence Parade which drew great crowds to Fifth Avenue on April 26 to celebrate the spirit of 1821. Participants of all ages marched in the parade with their parishes, schools, and regional associations with some marching multiple times with all the organizations they belong to, showing their Hellenic pride and their love for the homeland.

Among the highlights every year, the Hellenic Presidential Guard, the Evzones, once again marched in the parade, impressing the viewers and all in attendance. The Korakiana Philharmonic ‘Spryos Samaras’ from Kerkyra performed the National Anthem of Greece and then followed Maestro Costas Tsourakis’ powerful rendition of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ with their instrumental version.

A moment of silence was held at the start of the parade for beloved Greek-American news anchor Ernie Anastos who passed away on March 12 at the age of 82. Anastos was a perennial figure at the parade, having anchored the television broadcast many times and served as Grand Marshal in 2023. Many in attendance recalled the times they had seen Anastos at the parade in the past, often joining in the Greek dancing on the parade broadcast with his colleagues at the time from Fox5 News, including fellow Greek-American Nick Gregory. His smile and genuine love for his heritage were missed this year.

The parade was once again an opportunity to celebrate Hellenism and highlighted the 205th anniversary of Greek Independence and the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence as Parade Chairman Lou Katsos noted in his greeting as the dignitaries took their seats in the reviewing stand.

Snapshot from the Greek Parade in 5th Avenue, New York, April 26. Photo: TNH/Ch. Athanasatos

Shouts of “Long live Greece” continued throughout the parade from the marchers and the spectators, echoing on Fifth Avenue up to 79th Street along with the sound of Greek music performed live by the marching bands and in recordings from the floats in the parade.

Everyone looked forward to next year’s parade, hoping that the weather conditions will be as ideal as they were this year.

The Hellenic Presidential Guard, the Evzones, in front of the reviewing stand at the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church of Whitestone, NY, float in the New York Greek Independence Parade. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Federation of Cypriot American Organizations at the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

Members of the Pancyprian Choir, Lambrini Gantidis, Vasiliki Paritoglou, and Kalliope Mihalatos, with Artistic and Music Director Phyto Stratis at the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

Maria, Joseph, and George Sakellis at the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The FDNY participated in the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Eleftheria-Pancyprian Youth Soccer Club marching in the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Resurrection in Brookville, NY, was among the community’s participating with floats this year. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The William Spyropoulos School of St. Nicholas Flushing Parents Association, including Christina Sakellis Pashos, marching in the parade. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Chian Federation float in the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The Like a Daisy float of the Archangel Michael Church Special Abilities Ministry. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

The contingent from Haiti marched in the New York Greek Independence Parade on April 26, highlighting that Haiti was the first nation to recognize Greece’s independence. Photo by Eleni Sakellis