Synapandema, the biggest gathering of Pontic Greeks in Australia, took place in Melbourne on January 20-22, 2012.
Organized by the Federation of Pontian Associations of Australia and the Pontiaki Estia of Melbourne, the three-day long event aims at promoting and maintaining the Pontian culture in the Antipodes.
The event this year was a gathering of joy and dancing, with attendees developing new contacts and meeting with relatives after many years apart.
The activities commenced on Friday, January 20, with the Registration Event for the enrollment of all participants and the information handout on the Synapandema programme in the hall of the Pontiaki Estia in Brunswick. On the same evening until late at night, the venue hosted the Hellenic Parakath, a traditional opening glenti with Pontian dances and music.
On Saturday, January 21, the Ypapanti Parish reception Centre hosted the Synapandema Ball, during which the vasilopita for the New Year was cut.
On Sunday, the participants enjoyed the rural beauties of Melbourne at Mornington Park with the Hellenic Community’s Panegyri in the afternoon and the Farewell Drinks free admission event later in the evening.
The events were attended by people from all three generations of Pontic Greeks and were created with impressive elements of the Pontic culture still surviving in Australia.
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