Post-war Greek migrants found solace on Lonsdale street, now their grandchildren celebrate
Source: NEOS KOSMOS
Walk down Lonsdale street this weekend and you’ll find thousands of Melbournites eating, dancing and chatting their way through the closed off street for the Antipodes Festival.
The street has been a ‘Greek hub’ since the 1950’s, when post-war Greek migrants who came to Australia were searching for familiar faces and cultural touchpoints. They met in restaurants, cafes and Greek clubs across Lonsdale street. Now, their grandchildren are performing dance, enjoying the food and finding unique ways to stay connected to their Greek heritage.
Yanni works with Pontiaki Estia, a hub for Pontian culture — its dance groups have been gracing the Antipodes Festival stages for years now. Yanni tells Neos Kosmos what he loves most about the festival is seeing people gathering together to celebrate Greek culture, even people who are not Greek themselves.
14-year-old Sofia performed yesterday with Pontiaki Estia, and has come back today to watch her cousins on stage. “I love dancing because I feel connected to the culture, and I like all of the friends I’ve made,” she says.
“It just feels really important because this is my heritage. I feel like my ancestors would be really happy.”
Also connecting with his heritage through a Greek organisation is Theo, who works in disability support work for Agapi Care. “Agapi was started by Greek immigrants over 30 years ago. Being Greek and working for a Greek company makes me feel proud” he tells Neos Kosmos. “We’re obviously multicultural but it’s great to be involved in Greek events and festivals like this.
Multiculturalism is an overarching theme to the Antipodes Festival, despite being a Greek celebration. Couple Vangelos and Emma are Greek and Chinese, and want their child to experience both cultures.
“This festival is great for a bit of exposure to Greek traditions, and to gain some understanding of different cultures and how we all mingle here in Australia,” Vangelos explains. Emma adds “kids should be exposed to cultural festivals like this… the chinese festival was here in the city recently, and now there’s a Greek festival. We love that.”
Some Greek kids are taking the passing-on of traditions into their own hands, like George and his brothers Andrew and Peter who have started Yiayia’s Glyka.
“Yiayia taught us these recipes before she passed away,” George tells Neos Kosmos. “We decided to kickstart this business to support the new generation to understand Greek culture, and using Greek sweets is a way to continue every Yiayia’s legacy.”
It’s a similar story behind the father-and-son duo from Meli Honey, who import their honey directly from Halkidiki in Greece to share with the wider community.
“What I love about this festival is not only enjoying my Greek culture, but other people coming in and enjoying that Greeks-in-Melbourne atmosphere,” says the business owner.
Despite today’s rain, young Greeks are still out and about celebrating their culture, mingling with one another and keeping their heritage alive.
The original article: belongs to NEOS KOSMOS .
