The 2026 Greek Independence Parade that took place on South Halsted Street in Chicago’s Greektown on Sunday drew large crowds of Greek-Americans and other spectators.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Evzones, the Greek Presidential Guard, marched in the Greek Independence Parade dressed in traditional soldiers’ garments inspired by 19th-century Greek independence fighters.
The elite group of Greek soldiers who stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier of Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece and the Presidential Mansion performed their ceremonial duties, including the raising and lowering of the Greek flag at the Acropolis to a cheering crowd.
Presented by ENOSIS, the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois, the parade is a long tradition that began over sixty years ago, bringing together Greeks to celebrate the 1821 Greek War of Independence.
The parade was sponsored by Greektown Special Service Area #16. As part of this year’s celebration, the Greektown Agora (Greek for “marketplace”) hosted a great number of vendors selling Greek art, jewelry, and gifts at Elysian Field, located at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets.
Since its founding in 1964, the Greek Independence Parade has become one of the biggest annual events for Chicago’s Greek community. Attendees get to see traditional Greek costumes, listen to Greek music, enjoy performances by Greek dance troupes, and celebrate Greek independence.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
