The 38th Antipodes Festival has returned to the heart of Melbourne, with Lonsdale Street transformed into a vibrant celebration of Hellenic culture as thousands turned out for the opening day.
Although official attendance figures have yet to be released, the sheer density of the crowd suggested the 38th edition could be among the largest on record. By late afternoon, foot traffic had slowed to a shuffle as families, students and visitors filled the precinct, building towards the evening headline performance by Ioulia Karapataki.
Presented by the Greek Community of Melbourne, the festival once again delivered a packed program of live music, traditional dance, youth performances and a sprawling marketplace offering everything from souvlaki to handmade jewellery.
Ioulia Karapataki on stage.
For Greek Community of Melbourne President Bill Papastergiadis, the festival’s meaning could be summed up in a single gesture — a frappe in hand.
“This is the festival,” he said, pointing to the drink. “The food, the music, the dancing — it’s the belonging. It’s the identity, it’s the tradition. It’s a sense of belonging.”
“One of the things that stands out amongst us when we celebrate is that we do it all together — all generations. That’s what we see here today and that’s what makes this festival a success. It’s safe, it’s family friendly. Everyone knows everyone here.”
Board member Michael Karamitos said the sight of younger generations embracing their heritage was what moved him most.
“What pleases me the most is when I see the young generation here,” he said. “When I see hundreds of kids around the stage dancing to Greek music, it warms my heart. It’s all about that at the end of the day.”
He added that the event has grown into what he described as a “tier one” festival, attracting a broad, multicultural audience beyond the Greek community.
Angelica Spiliopoulos-Angsiting from NUGAS and LUGS at La Trobe University, described Antipodes as one of the clearest expressions of Greek Australian identity.
“We are both Greek and we are Australian and the unique culture we created when we came over here exists in these spaces like the Antipodes Festival,” she said. “It’s just the brightest, most vibrant celebration.”
Having once danced on the main stage as a student at Alphington Grammar, returning this year was a nostalgic experience.
“Being back here now is very nostalgic for me,” she said. “Without this festival, I’m not sure where we would have this same space to celebrate who we are.”
Education also had a strong presence, with Maria Bakalidou, principal of GCM Schools, highlighting student participation.
“We had 30 VCE students performing on the main stage, proud of their Greek heritage and identity. This is so moving for me,” she said.
“We have so many students here, little ones coming to our kiosk to say hello to the teachers with love and enthusiasm.”
For stallholders, the festival offered both long hours and strong community engagement. John Ghionis from No Malakies and Spitaki decided to do things differently this year.
“Usually we do food and we thought this year, let’s do something different. Let’s do some merch because we love this stuff,” he said.
“Everybody wants a malakia so we branded them malakies.”
John Ghionis with his daughter.
Beyond business, the event carries personal significance.
His fondest memories, other than bringing his own kids, was when he used to come with his late father.
First-time vendors Victoria and Sebastian from Destino The Label said they grew up attending the festival and were excited to now be part of it.
“We love the food, the culture and we just have such a great time, so we thought we’d love to be part of it this year,” Victoria said.
“From your souvlaki to jewellery, you can get everything here,” Sebastian added.
Victoria and Sebastian.
Stella Papas said she’s there because she loves Greece and misses Greece being born in Australia.
“This gives us the best and closest connection, energetically, physically and aromatically,” she said.
Her friend who is attending it for the first time says it’s amazing.
“I like being around the Greek people, Greek culture. It hurts.. It’s too far away, we can’t go there so we bring it here.”
As music echoed through the city and crowds gathered in anticipation of the night’s headline act, the opening day of the 38th Antipodes Festival once again demonstrated its enduring role in celebrating culture, identity and community in Melbourne’s CBD.
\
