At Melbourne thousands of visitors have been living a “Greek weekend” since yesterday. It is being held for the 36th year Antipodes Festivalwith Greek music, customs and products.

With nearly 90 stands and more than 600 artists, as well as a series of dance and music performances that will rotate across three stages, cookery demonstrations, street theatre, children’s shows, competitions and various other activities, the Festival cements its reputation as one of Australia’s biggest cultural events.

Yes, surprise visit at the Greek Festival was also held by Prime Minister her AustraliaAnthony Albanese.

“It is known to everyone that Melbourne is the largest Greek city in the world, outside of Greece,” said Mr. Albanese and added: “This street, this corner have made history. I am also emotionally connected to the area since I used to come here when I was younger and get food from the Stalactites.

The Prime Minister spoke with flattering words about the Community, the Festival and the diaspora in general.

Momogeri and Melina Aslanidou

“Antipodes” is expected to be visited by more than 120 thousand people.

On the evening of Saturday, February 24, the events will culminate with the appearance of Melina Aslanidou, a Greek singer beloved by the diaspora.

The events will continue from the morning to the evening of Sunday with dozens of musical events, theatrical performances and a multitude of events from the Greek tradition such as the “Momogeroi” who came especially from Greece.

“It is a huge honor for me that so many Greeks will gather and they invited me to be here with them. I feel honor, awe, emotion, love, and a blessing,” said Melina Aslanidou to “Neo Kosmos”.

She also underlined the importance of the ties that the Greeks of the Diaspora maintain with their homeland, saying that “it is very important to feel that the heart of Hellenism abroad still beats, and that these people have not forgotten the country and the their language”.

The well-known Greek singer will then travel to Sydney, on Sunday February 25, for a live performance which she will perform as part of the events that will be held to celebrate the 20 years of the Greek Festival in Darling Harbour.

With information from ERT, Neos Kosmos

Main photo from FB What’s On Melbourne