Thousands Attend Greek Independence Day Parade in New York

Thousands of Greek-Americans and others descended onto Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue in New York on Sunday, April 14th to watch the traditional parade and participate in the festivities to mark the anniversary of the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Turks.

American football star George Karlaftis, who just won his second Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs, was the Grand Marshall of the parade alongside Stefanos Kasselakis, the leader of Greek Opposition party SYRIZA and Cyprus’ Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works Alexis Vafeades.

Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias who was due to attend on behalf of the Greek government left urgently for Athens as a result of escalating conflict in the Middle East. The parade was live-streamed on Facebook and Instagram.

Annual parade commemorating Greek heritage since 1938

The annual event, a celebration of Hellenic identity, culture, and achievements in the world, has been organized since 1938 by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, a non-profit organization committed to fostering an appreciation of Greek-American heritage and achievement.

“This significant occasion marks the commencement of Greece’s revolution for liberation from Ottoman Turkish rule on March 25th, 1821, emphasizing the enduring spirit of freedom cherished by the Greek American Community,” the organizers said in an announcement.

It was added that the parade also serves as a platform for the Greek American Community to express solidarity with the Republic of Cyprus and its people, as it commemorates the 50th solemn anniversary of the illegal Turkish invasion and continuing occupation of 37 percent of Cyprus.

“Turkey’s flagrant violation of international law and persistent disregard of UN resolutions prevented any serious attempt for a just and viable solution,” it commented.

Three-day celebratory event

The 2024 Greek Independence Parade Weekend celebrated the 203rd anniversary of the Greek War for Independence.

The three-day event kicked off on Friday, April 12th, with the Flag Raising ceremony at Bowling Green, attended by NYC Mayor Eric Adams, who had also welcomed the Greek American community at Gracie Mansion on Wednesday.

The Evzones of the Presidential Guard and the famous Mantzaros Philharmonic band of Corfu marched under heavy rain for the flag-raising ceremony.

Heavy rain didn't deter us from marching this past Friday, together with the Greek Presidential Guard at Bowling Green for the raising of the flags, an annual event leading to the Sunday Greek Independence Day Parade. Όλες και όλοι στην Παρέλαση της Κυριακής, στην 5th Avenue. pic.twitter.com/IWEUEhsIl3

— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) April 14, 2024

“Raising the Blue and White Ensign of Greece and Cyprus reminds all of us that the struggle to defend freedom is never complete. We raise it with pride and exultation, for we know that it represents the blood and toil of our ancestors,” Archbishop Elpidophoros of America captioned photos from the event on Twitter.

🇬🇷 🇺🇸 The Greek National Guard in New York City
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.#Credit: @vmeimarakis
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.#greece #newyork #parade #greekparade #hellas #hellada #ellada #grecia pic.twitter.com/s4eSKYwrIM

— Greek Reporter (@GreekReporter) April 14, 2024

The Independence Parade Gala at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown followed on Saturday, April 13th. This was hosted by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York and was held prior to the festivities and majestic parade on Fifth Avenue, held between 64th to 79th Streets, on Sunday.

“In the course of our long history, Hellenism has experienced both triumphs and tragedies; it is our duty, in memory of our ancestors, to remember, to honor, to persist,” Greek Defense Minister Dendias told the gala attendees.