The 37th Antipodes Festival transformed Melbourne’s Greek precinct of Lonsdale Street into a vibrant celebration of Greek culture, heritage, and community on February 22nd and 23rd 2025. Hosted by the Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM), which represents the largest Greek population in a city outside of Greece (third to Athens, and Thessaloniki), continues to support education programs to over 2000 students, cultural events that include the landmark Antipodes Festival, and conducts advocacy across a diverse range of issues. Collectively gathering over 100,000 people evidenced the festival’s recognition as a Tier 1 event since 2024, alongside other events such as the Australian Open, and the Melbourne Cup.
GCM president Bill Papastergiadis commenced the ceremony by thanking the premier of Victoria, Jacinta Allan, for her first attendance at the Antipodes Festival, while promptly urging her to visit Greece. Papastergiadis stated that the partnership with the government and the Victorian Hellenic community is critical for the success of these events, and the presence of political leaders is “A solid mechanism to encourage the government to continue to support multiculturalism.” Furthermore, Allan discussed her recent letter to the British Prime Minister as she pleaded a rallying cry for the return of the Parthenon Marbles being a “priceless treasure” and “a stolen part of Greece.” She stated, “They are more than artifacts, they are a precious part of Greece… a precious part of the Greek soul, and they should be returned to her to complete the majesty of the Parthenon. I look forward to seeing those marbles one day at the Parthenon, where they truly belong.” Allan concluded her speech by reinstating her government’s unwavering commitment to upholding the state’s multiculturism and faith with its inherited cherished values.
Accompanied by almost 100 stalls, was a diverse selection from exceptional handmade Greek jewellery and décor, to flavoursome delicacies and desserts, as well as exhibitions from organisations and schools. This year debuted the stalls expanding beyond to Russell Street, reflecting the festival’s increasing popularity and promotion for newfound local Hellenic business. Renowned for its culinary indulgences, Antipodes Festival welcomed visitors on a salivating odyssey through Greece, amidst intoxicating aromas of sizzling meats, freshly baked breads, and honey drizzled confections. Adorning the bustling junctions of Lonsdale and Russell Street were the iconic souvlakia and gyros, simmering sheftalies of Cyprus, and sesame-studded koulourakia of Thessaloniki. Each bite told a story of customs and rituals, connecting those to the symphony of flavours that define Greek culture. An abundance of live cooking demonstrations was also on display for those pursuing an unorthodox communion of Greek gastronomy. Remaining faithful to the traditional skill and creativity of the Hellenic cuisine were chefs such as Philip Vakos, and Angie Giannakoudakis who graced the stage with their ambrosial artistry.
Honouring the festival’s competitions began with the thrilling ‘Zorba Til You Drop’, the ultimate physical endurance for a chance to win tickets to Greece; felicitations to Nikos Vokolos winning for the third time. This year, Chemist Warehouse made an enthralling entrance as a major sponsor, weaving an air of excitement into the festivities. The interactive stall became a magnetic centrepiece, drawing eager crowds to anticipate spinning the wheel of fortune and win an exclusive gift bag, infusing a playful addition to the weekend. Other festival highlights included traditional dance groups and bands performing across all stages, such as The Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria, GCM Dance Group, Greek Orthodox Community of SA, Melbourne Bellydance, Melbourne Gaida Ensemble, Oakleigh Grammar, Totally Kicking Brass, and Florina Aristotelis, to name a few. However, Saturday night’s headliner act, Rena Morfi, left audiences in absolute awe. Reigning from Greece to enchant the jubilee with her alternatively unique blend of classical Greek music, with percussive Latin cumbia and salsa, metamorphosed the roads into an electrifying dancefloor. Morfi is acclaimed for co-hosting ‘Μουσικό Κουτή’ on the Greek television channel, ERT, which features distinguished musicians as well as emerging artists showcasing live performances that transcend various musical genres. Both fans and newcomers immersed themselves in her rhythms, harmonies, and melodies that encompassed the indomitable soul of Greek music.
Moreover, Michael Sukkar MP delivered a sentimental statement, “The prosperity that Greek Australians have brought to Victoria is remarkable. Let’s be honest, you can’t imagine a Melbourne without the Greek community.” This testament proved irrefutably fitting to the overall accomplishment of the Antipodes Festival, and the devoted disposition of Hellenism shared within this beloved city.
Photo Gallery of the weekend festivities.
Images Copyright: Nick Bourdaniotis for Greek City Times
