Canberra, March 20, 2025 – John Loukadellis, President of the Greek Community & Church of Canberra and Director of the Hellenic Initiative of Australia, has announced an ambitious celebration to mark Greek Independence Day, positioning Canberra as Australia’s most Hellenic city on March 25.
The festivities will honor the historic occasion, observed globally by Greeks each year on that date.
Starting Monday, March 24, Greek flags will proudly wave across the capital in remembrance of the day Greece declared independence in 1821. Key locations set to display the blue-and-white banners include Commonwealth Avenue leading to Parliament House, Kings Avenue en route to Canberra Airport, and the Canberra Walk surrounding the Canberra Centre.
On the evening of Tuesday, March 25, a striking tribute will see prominent government buildings and landmarks bathed in blue light, symbolizing Greek pride. Illuminated sites will include Old Parliament House, the John Gorton Building, the Treasury Building, the Carillon Bell Tower, the Australian Film & Archive Building, Questacon, the Malcolm Fraser Bridge, Ian Potter House, the National Museum of Australia, the Canberra Times Fountain, and all Canberra Lightrail stops. Additionally, all GEOCON cranes across the city and the Hellenic Club of Canberra will join in the blue glow.
The celebrations will culminate on Sunday, March 30, with a series of community events. The day will begin with a church service at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at noon at the Hellenic Australian War Memorial, hosted by the Greek Orthodox Community and Church of Canberra & Districts. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m., featuring performances by the Kefi Band and Canberra Hellenic Dancers.
Loukadelis expressed his enthusiasm for the events, anticipating a vibrant display of community spirit and stunning visuals. He extended gratitude to the ACT Government, Infrastructure Canberra, and the National Capital Authority for their unwavering support in bringing these plans to life.
Canberrans and visitors alike are invited to join in the festivities and capture the city’s Hellenic transformation throughout the week.