We Melburnians were lucky to spend the weekend in the Northern Territory, taking part in the now-famous GleNTi festival, organised by local Greek and Cypriot communities.
From early Saturday morning, local radio stations across Darwin were promoting the GleNTi as the city’s premier cultural event, drawing visitors from regional NT and other states.
Organisers estimate that 40,000 people visited the sea of blue and white, enjoying traditional Greek food, cultural performances, dancing and activities, all set to a soundtrack of Greek music. It was a truly multicultural, family-friendly event.
The president of the Greek Orthodox Community of Northern Australia, Michalis Koulianos, spoke with evident pride:
“The GleNTi was first organised in 1988 as a charity event. Over time, and thanks to our volunteers, it evolved into what we see today.
“It has been embraced not only by the Greek community, but also by Darwin’s multicultural society.
“We’re proud it’s now one of the three largest festivals in the Northern Territory.”
Speaking about the broader activities of the Community, he added:
“Under our umbrella we have the Greek Orthodox Church of St Nicholas and the Greek school.
“I owe a heartfelt thank you to my colleagues on the board and to our many volunteers of all ages.
“And of course, we maintain excellent relations with the Chief Minister of the Territory, Lia Finocchiaro.”
Our next stop was the Cypriot Community stall — and my own personal homeland.
I was warmly welcomed by president Alexandra Magripilis. Though newly appointed, she expressed pride in her team and thanked the public for their support, especially for their love of Cypriot souvla and sheftalies.
“Everything is made with meraki (care and passion),” said Dina Georgakis, while Charis Andreou, involved with the community since 1971, beamed with enthusiasm.
The Cretan Brotherhood also had a strong presence. Its president, George Mamounis, who also leads the dance troupe, told us:
“We may only be 15 families, but we have two active dance groups keeping our Cretan traditions alive.
“Parents pay a $20 annual fee, and we provide free dance classes, costumes and more.”
Founded in 1985, the brotherhood is housed at the Greek Community Centre.
“Let me remind you that earlier this year we proudly hosted the 43rd Conference of Cretan Associations of Australia and New Zealand,” he added.
Regarding the GleNTi, Mamounis said:
“It fills us with pride that the broader community supports it. And our cooperation with each other is outstanding.”
Closing out the event was the Greek Australian mayor of Darwin, Kon Vatskalis.
Pointing proudly to the port, he remarked that it’s larger than Sydney’s. He gave a succinct yet vivid overview of the city and surrounding areas — Darwin has a population of 85,000, or 125,000 including its outskirts.
Here’s a standout fact: one in six residents has Greek heritage.
Asked about the secret behind the GleNTi’s success, Vatskalis said:
“There are no ghettos here. We’re a multicultural mosaic with over 100 nationalities, and we enjoy excellent relations.
“Mixed marriages also play a big role in this harmony.”
He added:
“The GleNTi is Darwin’s third most visited event, after Chinese New Year and India Day.”
As for the fishing industry, once dominated by Kalymnian sponge divers:
“It used to be in Greek hands, but now it’s mostly run by people of ‘Yugoslav’ background,” he noted.
Kon Vatskalis expressed pride in the festival’s success, congratulating all the communities involved and thanking the countless volunteers who worked tirelessly over the weekend to serve the huge crowds.
In the short time I spent with him, it was clear how well-loved he is by the public.
I came away from the GleNTi deeply impressed.
The venue was entirely covered with ample seating, the calm waters of the bay shimmered under a clear blue sky, and the hospitality was warm and sincere.
I applauded the dancers in their traditional costumes and enjoyed delicious Cypriot grilled dishes.
For all of this — and so much more — I offer heartfelt congratulations to the organisers for an unforgettable weekend filled with Greek sounds, flavours and community spirit.
Around midday, I was introduced to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro, who toured the stalls with the Greek Community president. With a broad smile, she congratulated hosts and organisers.
I was especially delighted to discover that she knew of Neos Kosmos.
