The Norwood Greek Festival returned in 2026 for its 14th celebration, transforming the grounds of Prophet Elias Church into a vibrant panigiri filled with music, dancing, faith and food.
Organised by the Greek Orthodox Community and Parish of Prophet Elias Norwood, the annual festival once again drew families, community leaders and visitors from across South Australia to the eastern suburbs of Adelaide for an evening that honoured both heritage and togetherness.
From 5pm, the festival grounds came alive, with attendees sprawling out across the church grounds and onto the road. The church remained open for viewing, offering attendees the opportunity to step inside the spiritual heart of the community, while children enjoyed face painting and balloon artistry throughout the evening.
A festival built on values
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas described the festival season as one of the most anticipated times of the year in the state’s multicultural calendar. Reflecting on post-war migration, the Premier acknowledged the transformative contribution of Greek Australians to the state and nation.
“The truth is that a wave of migrants who came to this country not too long after World War II built South Australia, built our nation… [they are] in our Parliament, in our sports, in our academia, in our arts, [and] that is worthy of celebration and high praise,” Malinauskas said.
The Premier emphasised that beyond economic and institutional contributions, the enduring significance of Hellenic culture lies in values such as generosity and hard work.
“If we want to preserve and maintain that set of values, we’ve got to make sure it passes from one generation to the next. Whether it be language, whether it be arts, whether it be other expressions of the Hellenic spirit. And these festivals are very much central to that endeavour,” he said.
In a significant announcement, Premier Malinauskas also confirmed a new streamlined funding arrangement for the Norwood Greek Festival.
“Rather than making you apply for multiple grants year on year, we’re just going to do it once… we’re going to make sure we expand that funding to $40,000 per annum and do it once. So, it becomes $160,000 for one application across four years. And I make that commitment because I believe in what I can see before me tonight,” he said.
Bipartisan recognition of support
Leader of the Opposition, Ashton Hurn MP, echoed the Premier’s praise and highlighted the volunteer backbone of the event.
“It’s the 14th celebration that you’ve had here in Norwood and I’ve got to say, what an absolutely spectacular night for it,” she said.
Leader Hurn spoke warmly of the volunteers working behind the scenes, acknowledging that it was “great” to get out into the kitchens and speak to many of the volunteers.
“They roll up their sleeves and make this festival what it is. I was speaking to the loukoumades queen in the back – 100 kilos of loukoumades that are being made for you to all enjoy,” she said with a smile.
Hurn also confirmed bipartisan financial support.
“I’m very happy to also confirm that a Hurn Liberal government will commit $160,000 over four years too. I think for events like this, it is very bipartisan. You are so central, and particularly the Greek culture… to the fabric of South Australia and you make it so fantastic,” she said.
A traditional panigiri in the heart of Norwood
President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Norwood, George Morias, addressed attendees with visible pride as he officially opened the festival.
He described the event as a traditional Greek village celebration “built to honour our feast day and often held in the grounds of the church,” bringing the community “to celebrate the Greek Orthodox faith, Greek traditions and customs, religion, food, music and dancing.”
He added that it was fitting this year’s festival fell on Valentine’s Day, being “a day we celebrate love, connection and togetherness.”
Music, dance and enduring spirit
Throughout the evening, performances by the Prophet Elias Norwood Greek School Dance Group, the Cyprian Dance Group and the Messinian Dance Group added colour and energy, drawing many attendees onto the dance floor and reinforcing the festival’s vibrant communal spirit.
Under the lights of the church grounds, the sounds of clarinet and bouzouki blended with laughter and conversation.
Families gathered around long tables, children danced freely before the stage, and generations stood side by side, a living expression of continuity and enduring presence of Hellenic culture and traditions in SA.
*All photos by Dion Vithoulkas
