The 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston returns on Sunday, April 27, welcoming nearly 100 registered Hellenic groups marching along Boylston Street to commemorate Greece’s independence from Ottoman rule.
This year’s parade, themed “Philhellenism and the Spirit of Greece,” is organized by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE), with support from the Mayor’s Office of Special Events and Tourism, in collaboration with The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston (MBC) and The Consulate General of Greece in Boston.
The parade begins at 1 p.m. local time at the intersection of Boylston and Exeter Streets, in front of The Lenox Hotel. Leading the procession, the Boston Police and Military Guards will present the US and Greek flags, followed by the Caryatids, Parade Dignitaries, Federation President, Grand and Honorary Grand Marshals, and elected officials, who will conduct a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The New England Evzones, representing the Greek Army, will then march proudly at the forefront, leading the procession down Boylston Street. The parade will feature Greek dance troupes, local churches, universities, and more.
Parade Grand Marshals include Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Metropolitan Methodios, and Consul General of Greece in Boston Symeon Tegos. Honorary Grand Marshals include John Davis, chairman of the Asia Minor and Pontos Hellenic Research Center, and Elaine Rigas, human capital director of the United States Navy.
Immediately following the parade, Boston Common will host a Greek cultural celebration showcasing Greek heritage. The New England Evzones and local Greek dance troupes will perform traditional dances from across Greece, while attendees will have the opportunity to participate in Greek dancing and enjoy authentic Greek cuisine from street vendors and food trucks.
“The Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston is returning this year after a record-breaking attendance last year,” said FHASNE President Eleni Vidalis. “We look forward to the Boston community walking with us again in celebration.”
Ways to participate in the event include:
Pre-patade dinner gala: FHASNE will also host its annual dinner gala, a major fundraiser for the parade and future events. Hundreds of attendees, including dignitaries and political leaders from both New England and Greece, are expected. The gala takes place on Saturday, April 26, at the Boston Quincy Marriott (Presidents Ballroom, 1000 Marriott Drive, Quincy, MA 02169) beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets are available for $175 each, and live music will be provided by Orfeas Orchestra.
Scholarships: FHASNE promotes Hellenic heritage through various programs and initiatives. This year, six $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible Hellenic American applicants residing in the US. The deadline to apply is March 21, with recipients notified by March 31. Scholarships will be presented at the Federation’s Dinner Gala on April 26. For more information, visit https://hellenicfederationne.org/en/ova_doc/scholarships/.
Parade float applications: Parade float applications are available for a $200 registration fee until April 9. A Parade Order Drawing will take place on Monday, April 21, at 6.45 p.m. at the Maliotis Cultural Center in Brookline, MA. For details, visit https://hellenicfederationne.org/en/ova_doc/participation-form/.
New England is home to over 200,000 Greek Americans and more than 60 Greek Orthodox parishes in the metropolitan area. To learn more about the Greek Independence Day Parade, visit https://hellenicfederationne.org/en/.
