Thousands Fill New York’s 5th Avenue for Greek Independence Day Parade

On Sunday, March 30, New York City's iconic Fifth Avenue was filled with thousands of Greek-Americans and supporters celebrating the Greek Independence Day Parade.

The event marked 204 years since the Greek Revolution against the Ottoman Turks, and it drew attendees from all walks of life, waving Greece's white-and-blue flag with pride.

This year’s parade featured notable Grand Marshals: General Andrew Poppas, the first Greek-American four-star US Army General; Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras, the birthplace of the Greek War of Independence; and Evangelos Marinakis, the businessman and Olympiacos soccer team president, who is celebrating the team's 100th anniversary. Marinakis, honored for his significant contributions to sports and society and his support for national issues, received a warm reception from the crowd. His presence underscored the political and cultural ties between Greece and its diaspora.

Honorary Marshals included actor, director, and screenwriter Christophoros Papakaliatis, creator of the hit TV series Maestro, and Pyrros Dimas, a three-time Olympic champion.

Despite cloudy skies and chilly temperatures, Greek Americans of all ages came together along the avenue to celebrate their heritage, clapping and cheering as each group passed by. Among them were young boys dressed in the traditional Evzonas (or tsolias) attire, representing the next generation of Greek Americans.

The parade, one of the largest in recent years according to the New York Police Department, kicked off with the Greek flag flying proudly over the Acropolis, followed by a ceremonial contingent of Evzones (Presidential Guard). Over 120 groups participated, including 52 floats and 15 bands, marching from 64th to 79th Streets. Participants hailed from New York’s metropolitan area, Upstate New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and even Montreal, Canada.

The parade also attracted political figures, emphasizing the importance of national unity. Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK-KINAL, and members of other Greek political parties were in attendance. This presence signified the solidarity of the Greek political community with the diaspora, reinforcing messages of unity and the strength of Hellenism abroad.

Among the distinguished guests were Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Greece’s Ambassador to the UN Evangelos Sekeris, Greece’s Ambassador to the US Aikaterini Nassika, former US Ambassador to Greece George Tsunis, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams. Additional guests from Greece included Nikos Androulakis, President of PASOK-KINAL, MPs Andreas Katsaniotis and Vasilis Kokkalis, and Greek mayors and regional governors who made the journey to New York for the event.

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York organized the event, with General Chairman Philip Christopher leading a 35-member committee. For the second consecutive year, the event was streamed live. The parade, which began in 1938, remains a significant celebration of Greek identity, culture, and contributions to the world.

Historically, the Greek-American community held similar parades in Queens before securing the permit to host the event on Fifth Avenue, marking a significant achievement for the community.

The parade culminated a weekend of festivities, beginning on March 28 with raising the Greek flag at Bowling Green Park. A doxology service was held at St. Nicholas Church, where Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras officiated. Greek-American singer Evangelia performed the national anthems of both the United States and Greece before the flag-raising ceremony. The Independence Parade Gala on March 29 honored the Grand Marshals.

Justice for the Temple Tragedy

This year’s parade also spotlighted the tragic train disaster in Tempi, Greece, with banners demanding justice. The Greek-American community expressed solidarity with the victims' families, highlighting their ongoing fight for accountability and reform to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The message of justice resonated deeply with attendees, underscoring the close ties between the Greek-American community and those in Greece.

A Shiver of Emotion: The Evzones as Living Symbols

The appearance of the Presidential Guard, the Evzones, was the emotional highlight of the parade. Their precision and stoic demeanor evoked intense pride among spectators, many shouted “Long live Greece” and “Long live Freedom,” visibly moved by their presence. As living symbols of Greece's history and independence, the Evzones were greeted with prolonged applause, reaffirming the deep emotional connection between the Greek people and their heritage.

Messages of Unity and Hope

This year’s parade reinforced the enduring strength of the Greek diaspora and its vital connection to Greece. Political leaders from Greece and the diaspora sent powerful messages of national unity, peace, and Greece's growing role on the international stage. The event celebrated Greek independence and highlighted the significant political, cultural, and emotional ties that bind the global Greek community together.