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INSTEAD OF CELEBRATING THE GREEK NATIONAL DAY

MELBOURNE - The annual Antipodes Lonsdale Street Glendi, is being transformed to a fancy dress street carnival, becoming a celebration for the pre lent period rather than being a celebration for the national day of Greece.

The celebration of the national day of Greece (25th March) usually falls within the lent period which starts 50 days before the Greek Easter. During that period, events which include music, dancing as well as the consumption of meat are strictly forbidden by the Greek church.

At the request of the Greek Archdiocese, the board of the Greek Orthodox Community of Melbourne has brought the annual event forward to be held on the final week of "Apokries" - Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 March 2011.

In previous years, the Lonsdale Street Glendi, as a celebration of the national day of Greece, attracted the participation of Australian as well as Greek Government and Opposition representatives. Critics of this year's event, claim that the change will only serve to undermine and gradually destroy the annual Greek event.

STATEMENT BY THE ORGANISERS

"Along with the Main Stage program of music and dance, the 2011 event will see activity spread across the event with emphasis on a celebration of Greek food, Greek art and craft and all sorts of activities for the young and the young at heart", says a statement that came to the Greek Tribune from the organisers.

Antipodes Festival co chair Tammy Iliou says that the change of date had been something that had been thought of for some time: “the Board is constantly thinking of ways to keep the Glendi fresh-which is why we have decided to coincide the 2011 Glendi with the biggest celebration on the Greek calendar".

Anyone interested in participating in the Lonsdale Street event is encouraged to submit an application online at www.antipodesfestival.com.au

ABOUT THE ANTIPODES FESTIVAL

The Antipodes Festival is the largest celebration of Greek culture outside of Greece. A multi faceted program of activity that runs throughout the year, Antipodes is the cultural arm of the Greek Community of Melbourne and produces amongst other events, the annual Lonsdale Street Glendi, the Tastes of Greece food festival and the Greek Film Festival.

ABOUT THE LONSDALE STREET GLENDI

The Lonsdale Street Glendi is a marquee event of the annual Antipodes Festival program. Held in the traditional Greek precinct of Lonsdale Street Melbourne, the Festival is a feast of food, music, dance and culture attracting tens of thousands to its 2 day program each March.

For more information contact REGINA GEORGAKILIAS on 0433 044 988 or via email at regina@antipodesfestival.com.au

The Cyprus
 News Agency


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