Henley Beach to Celebrate Epiphany with Blessing of the Waters and Greek Festival This Sunday

A celebration of Greek culture and multiculturalism will take place at Henley Beach this Sunday, with the Blessing of the Waters ceremony followed by a Greek Festival featuring music, dance, and food.

Hundreds are expected to gather at Henley Beach this Sunday for the annual Blessing of the Waters ceremony and subsequent Greek Festival hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia (GOCSA).

The traditional Blessing of the Waters ceremony will commence at 12 pm, with clergy, parishioners, and attendees processing along the Henley Beach jetty before divers retrieve the Holy Cross from the sea.

South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas praised the event for its contribution to the state’s multicultural landscape and for embodying the Greek tradition of filoxenia (hospitality).

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📸 George Langanis retrieved the Holy Cross at GOCSA’s 2024 Blessing of the Waters

Following the religious ceremony, the Henley Beach Greek Festival will begin, offering a vibrant mix of Greek and multicultural performances. GOCSA Cultural Committee Chair Hellas Lucas emphasized the event’s importance in showcasing Greek culture and promoting cultural understanding among all South Australians.

Festival highlights include:

  • Traditional Greek dances by the GOCSA Dance Academy and the Pontian Brotherhood of SA.
  • A special Ukrainian cultural showcase by dancers from Adelaide’s SLAVA Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
  • Live music from local band Kerasma Live.
  • Traditional Greek food and desserts, including loukoumades (Greek honey puffs).

This combined event promises a day of cultural celebration and community spirit at Henley Beach.