About 20,000 people filled the streets of Park Extension Sunday – Greek Independence Day — to celebrate just that.
There was music, dancing and pride, as Greek Canadians and friends lined Jean-Talon St.
“Proud –we’re always always, always proud!” said one reveller during the street festivities on a brisk, but sunny day.
The Greek community remembered its independent roots, after it separated from the Ottoman Empire during the Greek Revolution, fought from 1821 to 1830.
Montreal’s Greek community is 80,000 and counting, and tradition is something most take seriously, said Billy Balabanos, president of the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.
The group said 3,000 people took part in the colourful parade this year, despite the -15-degree Celsius weather.
“We are now Canadians and we’re trying to keep our heritage, our language and our religion alive,” said Balabanos.
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