Thousands to celebrate Greek culture at Paniyiri

• More than 50,000 people are expected to attend this year’s Paniyiri Greek Festival
• Now in its 48^th year, Paniyiri is Queensland’s largest multicultural event and Australia’s longest-running Greek festival
• Queensland’s first Multicultural Affairs Minister with Greek heritage will attend the important celebration for Greek Australians

Thousands of Queenslanders are set to smash plates, dance the Zorba and delight in a delicious array of sweet and savoury treats as Paniyiri kicks off in Brisbane.

The lavish Greek festival, now in its 48^th year, is Queensland’s largest multicultural event, attracting more than 50,000 visitors each year.

The two-day event is also Australia’s longest-running Greek festival and an opportunity for people of all backgrounds to immerse themselves in Greek traditions, music, dance and cuisine.

There will be cooking demonstrations, food stalls and cafes serving up a tasty variety of Greek delicacies.

Visitors can expect honey puff eating competitions, a pop-up Greek village, as well as traditional arts and crafts displays.

Queensland’s first Multicultural Affairs Minister with Greek heritage, Charis Mullen, will attend, acknowledging the festival's immense importance for Greek Australians.

The Miles Labor Government is a proud sponsor of Paniyiri.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Multicultural Affairs Charis Mullen:

“Like so many Queenslanders, my family and I absolutely love visiting Paniyiri and immersing ourselves in Greek culture and cuisine.

“Queensland is a proudly multicultural state and it’s events like this that really show how much we stand to gain when we celebrate diverse cultures and traditions.

“We may be in the heart of Brisbane, but Paniyiri takes us on a journey through Greece – with everything we have come to cherish and enjoy about the culture – right here on our doorstep. 

“I’m incredibly proud of my Greek heritage and as Minister for Multicultural Affairs, I love seeing Queenslanders from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds taking pride in their heritage.

“Our multiculturalism is one of our greatest strengths. We speak hundreds of languages and come from all corners of the globe – and it’s festivals like this which bring us all together to celebrate that wonderful diversity.

“I’d like to encourage everyone to come along to Paniyiri at the Greek Club or Musgrave Park – and keep an eye out for more events during Multicultural Queensland Month in August.

“You won’t want to miss out.”

Quotes attributable to Paniyiri Greek Festival’s Chairman of the volunteer organising committee Chris Kazonis:

“Paniyiri brings Brisbane together to enjoy two days of Greek food, dancing and fun.

“Paniyiri is more than a celebration of culture, it's a celebration of family, and our vibrant and culturally diverse community.

"Everyone involved is incredibly proud that the Paniyiri Greek Festival unites people in joy and celebration while shining a light on the success of multiculturalism in our community.

“And Paniyiri patrons can feel proud too, as every cent raised over the weekend goes back into local community groups and charities as Paniyiri is a not-for-profit event.

"This is Australia's largest Greek festival and I can promise whether you're a foodie, or love to dance, or a music lover, or simply looking for a fun and unique experience, everyone who attends Paniyiri will leave with their hearts as full as their stomachs!”

Further information:

• For more information about Paniyiri Greek Festival 2024, visit https://paniyiri.com

 ENDS

Media contact: 0417 296 116