Chicago Celebrates Greek Independence with Stunning Parade

Chicago celebrated Greek Independence with a spectacular parade in Greektown on Sunday, March 26.

Presented by The Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations (ENOSIS), and sponsored by Greektown Special Service Area #16, the Greek heritage parade has been established as one of the biggest annual events in the Chicago Greek community since its founding in the 1960s.

Hundreds lined up on Halsted Street for the parade celebration, saw colorful traditional costumes, experienced traditional Greek music, and dance troupe performances.

Spectators waved blue and white Greek flags along the route, from Van Buren to Madison streets, lining up several rows deep at some points.

Leading the parade were the colorful, traditionally dressed dancers of the Perifania School of Hellenic Music and Dance, which has been marching in the parade for about a decade.

The Greek-American ambassador of the USA in Athens, George Tsunis, the managing director of Calamos Investments John S. Koudounis and the Order of Themis were elected grand marshals of the parade.

“I was truly honored to join all of my good friends in Chicago to celebrate Greek Independence Day and the democratic values that unite the United States and Greece. US-Greek relations are stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible people at the heart of our extraordinary friendship,” Tsunis said.

I was truly honored to join all of my good friends in Chicago to celebrate #GreekIndependenceDay and the democratic values that unite the United States and Greece. 🇺🇸🇬🇷 relations are stronger than ever, thanks to the incredible people at the heart of our extraordinary friendship. pic.twitter.com/YswzlKk2DW

— George J. Tsunis (@USAmbassadorGR) March 28, 2023

Representatives of the Greek Special Disaster Response Unit (EMAK) that surprised humanity with the spirit of philanthropy, self-denial and self-sacrifice they demonstrated during the recent deadly earthquake in Turkey were also present in the parade.

Chicago Greek Parade is not just about Independence

Chicagoland’s Greek-American community has made this event a fun time for all to enjoy colorful traditional costumes, a sense of community and genuine Hellenic spirit since the inaugural parade in 1964.

As Maira Zantidis of Enosis, noted a few years ago, the parade is not just about Greek independence. She said, “It’s an opportunity to combine all our anniversaries into one day where every Greek can get together… We commemorate Independence day, the genocide, our history. But it’s also a day to promote the Greektown of Chicago and all its businesses.”

Chicago’s Greektown, the dining and nightlife district on the city’s Near West Side, is the undisputed cultural hub for the third-largest population of Greeks living in the USA.

Greektown’s bars and restaurants, serving some of the best Greek food in the country, lie roughly between Van Buren and Madison Streets, along Halsted Street, west of the Loop.

It is estimated that approximately 150,000 people of Greek ancestry live in the greater Chicagoland area. The language is still heard in the neighborhood, and the community comes out in full ethnic pride during the annual Greek Independence Day parade, the “Taste of Greece” festival and the days surrounding Greek Easter.