Dates announced for Brisbane’s famous Paniyiri Greek Festival

60,000 people – 3 massive days – 30 fabulous food stalls – 100,000 honey puffs – 950 volunteers – 4000 high kicks – Greek gods – the stars of dance – the doyennes of food – 1 self appointed Greek Goddess and 20 cans of heavy duty hairspray – more than 50 hours of entertainment – 6000 coffees – the bouzouki, tarabuka, lira and laouto – the Zorba, Sirto, Kalamatiano and Sousta – Pasarela on the Park – 500kgs of Haloumi … Ladies and gentlemen, this is Brisbane’s Paniyiri Greek Festival …
While the historic steps of the Acropolis may be some 15,000km from the grassy flats of Brisbane’s Musgrave Park, all the sights, sounds, characters and culture from the country which produced Homer, haloumi, honey puffs, Socrates, Plato and the famous Zorba will be celebrated in style during the much anticipated festival.
Brisbane’s famous Paniyiri Greek Festival will this year celebrate over three days from Friday May 21 through to Sunday May 23 showcasing the very best in Hellenic hospitality from dance and music, through to cultural events, fashion, food and much more. Queensland’s signature celebration of all things Greek and the state’s largest cultural festival, Paniyiri will this year celebrate its 34th festival with a headline entertainment program and a tribute to the famous gods of Greek mythology.
The Paniyiri Main Stage in Musgrave Park will host almost 20 hours of entertainment over the weekend including the return of Greek Dancing with the Stars; appearances from Greek Goddess Effie and the return of Greek singing sensation Maria Maroulis; Grape Stomping, Olive and Honeypuff Eating Competitions; Hellenic Dancing and Zorba Till You Drop and the popular Paniyiri Cooking Program as well as Queensland culinary bombshells Tanja and Gen from My Kitchen Rules.
In Musgrave Park more than 30 food stalls will showcase the tastes, recipes and secrets of food from all corners of Greece while on the main stage famous Greek dances the Zorba, Sirto, Kalamatiano and Sousta, performed to music performed on traditional Greek instruments including the bouzouki, tarabuka, lira and laouto are enjoyed by Greeks and non-Greeks alike in a wonderful cross cultural celebration. After an enormously successful first year in 2009, Pasarela: Parade on the Park will again be held on the Friday night – a fashion celebration showcasing leading edge and couture fashion and starring well known names on the catwalk.