A week of Greek music, food, dance, film and sport will take place at the Hellenic Club Canberra from October 26 to November 1, with events also scheduled at Palace Electric Cinema and Deakin Stadium.
The programme opens on Monday, October 26, with the Canberra Hellenic Dancers performing at the club’s Triton Lounge from 5.30pm. Greek food specials will be available throughout the week at the Bistro, Ela and Kivotos, alongside Greek-Chinese fusion dishes at Ginseng.
On Tuesday, Greek-born musician Eleanna Stavrianoudaki will perform Greek ballads, popular songs and traditional music at Kivotos from 6.30pm.
OXI Day on Wednesday, October 28, will feature a visit from the Hellenic Presidential Guard, the Evzones. They are scheduled to march into the club at 6.30pm, in what organisers describe as their first official visit to the nation’s capital. A dinner with the Evzones will follow at Kivotos from 7.45pm, with bookings available through TryBooking.
Earlier that day, Ela Cafe pastry chef Yianni will lead a hands-on cooking class in the Aegean Room from 10am, teaching participants to make a traditional Greek recipe.
On Thursday, a showcase of Greek Australian artists will be on display in the Apollo Room from noon. The artists include Canberra-based oil painters Alexa Kalo and Sarah Robinson, painter and printmaker Michael Winters, and still-life photographer Maria Gravias.
That evening, football fans can watch South Melbourne “Hellas” FC take on Canberra Croatia at Deakin Stadium from 7.30pm, or follow the match on the Hellenic Club’s big screens. The Greek Film Festival will also open at Palace Electric Cinema with a 7.30pm screening of Best Friends Forever.
A Taverna Night at Kivotos is planned for Friday from 7.30pm, with singers Tony Karrys and Alyssa Wallace, bouzouki player Stratos Gianakakis, Greek food and dancing.
Saturday’s programme includes a 5pm screening of Kapodistrias at Palace Electric Cinema. Those who bring their ticket to the club afterwards can receive a complimentary drink. Later, Greek Australian singer-songwriter Mariah Keramianaki will perform at the Triton Lounge from 8pm.
Hellenic Week will conclude on Sunday, November 1, with a 3pm matinee screening of Saint Paisios at Palace Electric Cinema. The film tells the story of Saint Paisios, born Arsenios Eznepidis.
The Hellenic Club will be decorated in blue throughout the week as the programme celebrates Greek culture and community in Canberra.
