The 37th Antipodes Festival remains one of Melbourne’s most significant cultural events. Once again, Lonsdale Street transformed over the weekend into a hub of music, dance, and community, with more than 90 stalls offering authentic food, beverages, artisanal products, and services.
Melbourne’s historic Greek precinct became a panegyric exaltation of Hellenic-Australian culture.
The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), stewards of the festival, should take pride in its success. Drawing over 100,000 people, the event immersed attendees in a shared experience of tradition, performance, and hospitality.
Curated mass performance To be there is to take part in a communal offering, a Hellenic expression of humanity and life itself. As my mentor, Dr. Richard Kurin, former director of the Smithsonian Festival—the world’s largest multicultural festival—once said, festivals create “liminal space,” “a time out of time”. Antipodes, like the great festivals of ancient Greece and later Christian traditions, is a moment when people gather as equals, transcending class, region, and background to celebrate together.Ritual celebration is intrinsic to Hellenic identity. Music, dance, and food serve as both the gel and catalyst for a heightened state of being – kefi. The Antipodes Festival is itself vast performative act—whether through the headline artist, community dance groups, local ensembles, or the silent disco or the myriad of politicians who sing its praises.
The festival is the performance, a carefully curated experience in which everyone—audience, artists, stallholders, community leaders, politicians, and media—takes part in a shared ritual of joy.
The celebration of Hellenic-Australian heritage welcomes all, Greek and non-Greek alike. Antipodes has become a seminal experience, a tribute to generations of Greek Australians—post-war elders, Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—who unite in the celebration of their culture and identity.
Its success is evident in the streets, the crowds, the performances, and the enduring enthusiasm of young people who participate as performers, crew, stallholders, and journalists covering the event. Its growth across decades speaks for itself.
The leaders follow
Validation comes not only in numbers but in the way civic and religious leaders embrace the festival. Political presence is as much a part of the tradition as the festivities themselves—an acknowledgment of the community’s role in shaping Melbourne.
GCM President Bill Papastergiadis officially opened the festival on Saturday, joined by Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Local Government Minister Nick Staikos, Parliamentary Secretary for Women’s Health Kat Theophanous, Minister for Major Events Steve Dimopoulos, Member for Southeastern Metropolitan Region Lee Tarlamis, Bank of Sydney CEO Melos Sulicich, Greek Consul General Dimitra Georgantzoglou, and His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora.
Their presence underscored the Greek community’s enduring contribution to Melbourne’s cultural landscape.
Premier Allan highlighted the importance of multiculturalism in Victoria, acknowledging the generations of Greek Australians who have helped shape the state’s identity. She praised the festival for bridging generations, from elders preserving heritage to young children embracing Greek culture.
“It’s a privilege to be here for the Antipodes Festival, celebrating Hellenic culture and history—from Macedonia to the shores of Cyprus to right here in Melbourne,” Allan said.
She also referenced her letter to the British Prime Minister urging the return of the Parthenon Marbles, calling them a “priceless treasure” and a “stolen part of Greece.”
“They are more than artifacts; they are a part of the Greek soul, and they should be returned to complete the majesty of the Parthenon. I look forward to the day they are back where they belong.”
Papastergiadis emphasised the festival’s role in strengthening ties with the State Government.
“The Antipodes Festival is one of Australia’s largest cultural celebrations, uniting the community through song, dance, food, and friendship.
“The Greek Community’s contribution to Melbourne is substantial, and the presence of so many political leaders is a testament to that. This festival is a mechanism to encourage continued government support for multiculturalism.”
City of Melbourne’s Lord Mayor, Nicholas Reece confirmed Melbourne’s continued sponsorship of the festival for the next four years, calling it the largest Hellenic festival globally, with plans for further expansion.
Federal politicians Claire O’Neil and Peter Khalil also paid tribute to Greek culture. O’Neil, attending with her children, remarked on the profound impact Greek Australians have had on Australian society.
“What would Australia be without Greek Australians?” she said.
Khalil, of Coptic Egyptian heritage, highlighted cultural ties between the two communities.
“It’s not just about souvlaki and festivals—it’s about faith, family, culture, and language. These values have shaped Australia. Greek schools are essential. Kids might not always love them, but they need to go.”
Michael Sukkar of Lebanese Christian background, heaped praise on Greek Australians for their contributions to Melbourne’s cultural and economic landscape.
“You can’t imagine Melbourne without the Greek community. Let’s be honest.”
Victorian Opposition Leader Brad Battin addressed the crowd on Sunday and acknowledging the Greek community’s influence on Melbourne’s identity.
“These events define Melbourne. Your community helped build this city, and we must continue to support one another to ensure its growth and prosperity,” he said.
Papastergiadis expressed his gratitude to sponsors, recognising their role in sustaining the festival.
“It is thanks to our sponsors, including the Victorian State Government and the City of Melbourne, that the Antipodes Festival thrives. We are truly grateful for their commitment to celebrating our culture and community.”
Bishop Evmenios commended the community’s dedication to tradition and conveyed Archbishop Makarios’ appreciation, encouraging young people to embrace their heritage.
Let the music and dance of life begin
The festival opened with the National Bank of Greece’s ‘Zorba Til You Drop’ dance competition, an endurance challenge that captivated spectators. Katerina Patopolis of the bank expressed pride in supporting the event, with Nikos Vokolos emerging as this year’s champion.
Saturday night reached a climax with the spellbinding performance of Rena Morfi and her band delivered a mix of contemporary Greek world music. Sunday night’s highlight was the “Xylourides” trio—Antonis, Nikos, and Apollonia Xylouris—who, having grown up in both Melbourne and Crete, had the crowd dancing and singing along until the very end.
Other, performances featured schools, cultural groups, and bands, including the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria, Pontiaki Estia, Oakleigh Grammar, the Greek Lyceum of SA, Estudiantina of Melbourne, and the Pan Macedonian Association of Melbourne and Victoria. More than 500 musicians and dancers brought the spirit of Greece to Melbourne.
Festivalgoers enjoyed carnival rides, arcade games, and the chance to meet performers dressed as ancient Greek deities. A sensory journey through Greece, organized by educators from GCM Schools, introduced children to Greek culture through music, herbs, and interactive activities, culminating in dancing at the Silent Δisko. The Silent Δisko, led by DJ Timo, was an instant hit, running until 1 am. Australian-raised and now based in Athens, DJ Timo is a renowned DJ and producer.
As the final notes echoed through Lonsdale Street, the festival once again proved its power to unite, inspire, and celebrate a shared cultural identity.
More photos below:
