HENLEY BEACH

Go Greek Festival!

January 2026 The Greek Orthodox Community of SA presents the ‘Go-Greek Festival’ on Sunday 11 January at Henley Beach incorporating the 2026 Annual Blessing of the Waters. If you enjoy traditional Greek food, music, dance and festivals, then come along to wonderful Henley Beach for a Greek celebration for all to enjoy. Free entry all day – great family fun! The Blessing of the Waters ceremony is an interesting event that everyone enjoys and one which is unique and sacred. The most exciting is where the holy cross is thrown into the waters. As the cross is thrown in by a priest, men plunge into the waters to catch it and try to outrace each other. Whoever manages to be the first and bring it out is believed to be blessed with good luck. Every year on January 6, (or the first Sunday thereafter) the Orthodox Church celebrates one of its most sacred days, the Feast of Epiphany. Epiphany celebrates the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan. It is also known as the Feast of Theofania because it is when the Most Holy Trinity is revealed to the world through the Baptism of the Lord. On the Day of Epiphany, the Church blesses the sea, the seashores, the islands and those whose livelihood is dependent upon the sea. Everyone is welcome. The favourite Greek culinary aromas will once again dominate the popular Square, with delicious souvlaki, yiros, Greek sweets being available for everyone to enjoy. Popular Greek band Zorba and associates will entertain the public and Greek dancing will be performed until late in the afternoon. Local multicultural dance groups will be performing on the day. A similar celebration will be officiated by the Greek Archdiocese on the same day at the Glenelg jetty.

Greek Tribune Adelaide, South Australia