Antipodes Festival back in business as Greece hits Melbourne

The younger generation continues on the tradition of Greek dance. Photo: Supplied

After more than two years, the biggest Hellenic festival in all of Australia has returned!

Lonsdale Street Melbourne, the traditional home of Greeks in this country, was transformed into a hub of all things Greek at the Antipodes Festival.

Over 70 pop up market stalls, Greek food stalls, competitions, rides and much more, alongside three stages featuring over 500 performers and about 72 hours of entertainment showcased Greek culture. But the one name on most people’s mind was Nikos Vertis.

The Greek superstar has sold out concerts in countries like Bulgaria and Romania, as well as stadiums in Israel. So it was only fitting he was the headline attraction at Lonsdale St.

The award winning singer took to the stage to perform his biggest hits, Thelo Na Me Nioseis, De Me Skeftesai, Ena Psema, An Eisai Ena Asteri, and more.

People in the hours leading up to Vertis’ performance were excited, with anticipation building in the hour and minutes before he appeared.

One woman, Maria, said she was most excited for Vertis.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed the most hasn’t happened yet,” she said.

“I cannot wait to see him. I love his music.”

Arriving on stage almost an hour after he was scheduled, a stage located at the intersection of Russell and Lonsdale Street, the audience cheered loud enough to be heard in Athens. Exaggeration aside, the excitement was infectious.

In fact, many non-Greeks were there to see what the fuss was about, including some German tourists, who on their second day in Australia found themselves in the middle of the biggest Greek festival in the land.

From not knowing what was happening to, by the end of Vertis’ first song, almost standing in awe of what they heard, they liked what they saw.

One gentleman, Chris, said his highlight of the evening and night was the music, and in particular, the feature act.

“My favourite part of the festival was all the music, and I really liked Nikos Vertis, he was really good.”

Other acts on stage throughout the day ranged from bands to dance groups to cooking demonstrations.

It wouldn’t be a celebration of Greek culture without food, and there was plenty.

Greek street food, gyros and souvlaki everywhere, seafood and fish and chips for those who wanted, and for the Cypriots or those wanting a taste of Cyprus, The Cypriot Kitchen was there, serving souvla, koupes and more. Those with a sweet tooth were treated with loukoumades.

The market stalls hit the town, with plenty of jewellery, cook books and more available, while stalls displaying history were also there.

All photos: Supplied

These small business stalls received wide exposure by being at the Antipodes Festival.

Many of them shared that given this is one of the largest collections of Greeks in one area, that it is their busiest time of the year.

“It’s been crazy. A lot of people have been coming around,” said a stall worker selling sculptured candles.

All these small businesses will be glad to hear that the festival will return next year in its traditional slot of February, when Greece becomes the world in Melbourne once again.