NEW YORK – Thousands of Greeks and Philhellenes celebrated the 204th anniversary of the start of the War of Greek Independence on Sunday, April 6, braving the cold in Chicago and Detroit.
Participants in the annual Greek Heritage Parade began to marched on Halsted Street in Chicago’s Greektown at 2:30 PM. Attendees also enjoyed the neighborhood’s best restaurants, checked out art and jewelry at various shops, and experienced traditional Greek music and dance troupe performances.
The leaders of Greektown Chicago SSA #16 and the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois were delighted to present Chicago’s Greek American community and the rich Hellenic culture and history. Attendees saw colorful traditional Greek costumes, enjoyed traditional Greek music and dance troupe performances, and watched as the community officially celebrated Greek Independence.
Mayor George Alpogianis of the Village of Niles was the chairman of the 2025 Greek Independence Day Parade, which is presented by the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois (ENOSIS) and supported in part by Patron Sponsor Greektown Special Service Area #16.
Greektown Chicago is a dining, nightlife and cultural district located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop area. A popular destination for tourists and residents alike, Greektown boasts offering the best sampling of Greek heritage outside of Athens – from authentic restaurants, cafes and shops to the National Hellenic Museum and annual Taste of Greektown festival. Greektown Special Service Area #16 is the business improvement district for the neighborhood, administered by sole service provider the West Central Association and guided by a volunteer commission of local business owners, property owners and residents.
Among the participants was the PanHellenic Scholarship Foundation. They had a fantastic time, issuing the following statement:
“We were proud to participate in such an amazing event for our Hellenic community and to be one of the many organizations represented at the parade. A special thank you to Dr. Thomas Adams, chairman of the PHSF Independence Day Parade committee, for underwriting the Panhellenic’s parade balls, they were a hit. We look forward to seeing everyone at the upcoming Awards Ceremony & Gala on Saturday, June 14th, 2025. Ζήτω η 25η Μαρτίου!”
Detroit’s Parade Began at Historic Annunciation Cathedral
The 23rd Annual Detroit Greek Independence Parade began at 3 PM. Due to construction, this year’s parade route began in front of Annunciation Cathedral on East Lafayette and proceeded down Lafayette and Beaubien streets.
One of the highlights of the Detroit celebration was the visit to Detroit City Hall by the Evzones – the Presidential Guard of Greece, where they were received by Deputy Mayor Melia Howard.
The Evzones also marched in the parade along with dignitaries including Michigan Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist, Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan, Consul General Koubarakis, and Grand Marshal Vasilios Vouharas.
His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America also attended and presided over the Hierarchical Doxology prayer service at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
The Detroit Greek Parade is a celebratory, family-friendly, and community-oriented way to preserve and promote the proud Hellenic heritage of the Greek community in Detroit, Windsor, and Southeast Michigan. Featuring 60+ groups, including church and student organizations, traditional dance groups, a dozen members of the official Presidential Guard of Greece in historic uniform, church and community leaders, mascots and entertainment from Detroit sports teams, and more.
The Detroit Greek Independence Day Parade helps with the Hellenic Museum of Michigan, community grants and awards, school and collegiate outreach, and fundraising.
The parade was preceded by a reception for dignitaries as well as a dance performance and press preview inside the Atheneum Suite Hotel, 1000 Brush Street. The post-parade ceremony also included dance performances and a street festival.
