Greek Paniyiri Festival Successfully Kicks Off in South Brisbane

The festival started in 1976 when passionate Greeks staged a festival in Brisbane to celebrate their culture.  35 years later, about 4 million loukoumadas have been devoured, 250,000 coffees have been consumed and 20 tones of haloumi has been eaten by 750,000 Paniyiri devotees.

The sun was shinning yesterday and the festival’s patrons relaxed while drinking cold Mythos beer and sampling Greek food from every region, as Zorba dancers entertained onlookers.

The more talented Greek eaters entered the honey puff-eating competition – a stomach-challenging experience for the spectators as well as the competitors. The 2009 champion, Alex Lotersztain, from West End, said he was not Greek but “loved to eat” honey puffs (loukoumadas).

Festival stalwart Desley Lagos and the “Pink Ladies” from the Auxiliary of St. George have been cooking and serving Greek sweets for as long as the Paniyiri Festival has been around.

“We get together and cook for days leading up to the festival and then we’re here serving all weekend. All the money we raise goes towards the South Brisbane community,” Lagos said.

The Paniyiri Festival takes place today at Musgrave Park from 10:00 a.m. until late tonight. Entry is $8 for adults, $2 for pensioners and free for children under 13.