Sydney’s largest Greek cultural celebration is set to return this weekend, with the Epiphany Greek Festival bringing a full day of food, music, dance and family festivities to Carss Bush Park on Sunday, 11 January.
Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia, the festival has become a landmark summer event in Sydney’s south, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year to the waterfront parkland at Carss Park.
The festival coincides with the Orthodox celebration of Epiphany, which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. Central to the day’s program is the Great Blessing of the Waters and the traditional throwing of the Holy Cross, a ceremony that remains one of the most anticipated moments of the festival.
More than 80 stalls will line the park, offering classic Greek street food, sweets and delicacies alongside crafts and local products. Visitors can expect souvlaki hot off the grill, loukoumades, traditional pastries and recipes passed down through generations.
Throughout the day, live music and dance performances will take place, with cultural groups from across Sydney presenting island dances and traditional routines that reflect Greece’s regional diversity. Musicians and singers will provide a continuous soundtrack of Greek music from late morning through to the evening.
Families are a central focus of the festival, with amusement rides, a Ferris wheel, children’s entertainment, face painting and open green spaces designed for all ages to enjoy.
Blessing of the Waters and fireworks finale
A highlight of the afternoon program will be the Blessing of the Waters ceremony, led by Archbishop Makarios, during which the Holy Cross is cast into the water and young men dive in to retrieve it, a ritual symbolising renewal, blessing and faith.
As the sun sets over the bay, the festival will conclude with a fireworks display over the waterfront, providing a finale to a day that blends religious tradition with community celebration.
The 2026 Epiphany Greek Festival is expected to be attended by a number of political and community representatives, including NSW Minister for Multiculturalism Steve Kamper, Minister Sophie Cotsis, Shadow Minister Mark Coure, Georges River Council Mayor Elise Borg, and the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Georgios Skemperis.
When: Sunday, 11 January from 11am – 9pm
Where: Carss Bush Park, Carss Park, NSW.
Free Entry, Onsite parking available. More information is available at the official festival website.
