The countdown is on to Brisbane’s famous Paniyiri Greek Festival, a two-day celebration of authentic Greek flavours, culture and celebrities.
For four decades Paniyiri has grown to become Queensland’s signature celebration of all things Greek and the state’s largest cultural festival as well as the country’s longest running Greek festival, a cultural celebration which began in 1976. Here is why you need to visit Paniyiri this year.
Eat Greek
More than 30 authentic Greek food stalls will showcase the tastes, recipes and secrets from all regions of Greece – think, Brisbane’s favourite sweet treat in Honey Puffs, Haloumi, Dolmades, Gyros, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, Keftedes, Moussaka, Yemista, Tzatziki, Calamari, Baklava and so much more!
The Plateia or traditional Greek village returns and is home to The Kafenio (traditional Greek coffee, frappe, freddocino and freddospresso), Zaharoplasteio (sweet shop of loukoumades aka, Honey Puffs, with amazing toppings), Psaro Taverna (Seafood Taverna), O Streidas (the Oyster Man), Ouzeri (Wine Bar), Traditional Taverna with lamb, pork and chicken cooked over the coals and aFourno (Greek pie shop).
Entertainment
Over 20 hours of entertainment including the return of Greek Dancing with the Stars featuring special celebrity guests and judges, Grape Stomping, Olive and Honey Puff Eating Competitions, Spaghetti eating, Plate Smashing, and the return of the great Greek characters, Herc & Xena. Famous Greek dances, the Zorba, Sirto, Kalamatiano and Sousta, will be performed to music played on traditional Greek instruments including the Bouzouki, Tarabuka, Lyre and Laouto. Don’t forget to hit Brisbane’s biggest dance floor for the famous Zorba, Sirto, Kalamatiano, Sousta and more.
Cook Greek
Enjoy two amazing days of FREE cooking demonstrations – on level 1 at The Greek Club. Some of the country’s best Greek cooks and chefs including the acclaimed Godmother of Greek cooking, Kathy Tsaples; Brisbane-based sisters Bernie Papagiannis and Annette Little from Spinach Leaf; local flavour-makers from The Fish Factory; Sam Demetriou from Cheeky Poke Bar; Brisbane-based siblings Danielle and George Diacos from Gertrude & Mabel and Little G; Lisa Peterson and Desi Carlos authors of Mediterranean Eating; and Helen Zeniou from Helen’s European Cuisine. PLUS this year we have Go Greek Cooking Workshops.
Reflect
Explore the famed Greek Orthodox Church of St George – tours feature the traditions and ceremony of the Church with Byzantine chanting and Orthodox liturgy.
Kids
Kids can get creative in the FREE Kids Zone area with art, craft and games as well as dance lessons with the Junior Hellenic Dancers Group. There will also be a reading of Melpomene and Andonis written by Greek Australian barrister Michele Kiosoglous and academic Phillippa Adgemis. PLUS, there’s a soccer workshop!
Enjoy a Greek weekend staycation
Rydges South Bank has announced a weekend package to celebrate Paniyiri Greek Festival in true Hellenic style! Not only is Rydges South Bank the closest hotel to the home of Paniyiri in Musgrave Park and The Greek Club (walking distance), the hotel has also recently completed a $30 million all-room renovation and boasts a mantlepiece of awards for its work, service and for the acclaimed restaurant, Bacchus.
The Ultimate Greek Experience at Rydges South Bank includes overnight accommodation, one general access admission tickets to the Paniyiri Greek Festival per adult (children enter free), a Paniyiri VIP Pack (which includes program details, Paniyiri 2018 bandanas and headpieces), valet parking for one vehicle, and a discounted Bacchus buffet breakfast offer. The package is open to singles, doubles and families. More information and bookings visit here.
Free public transport
Travel free with a pre-purchased Paniyiri Greek Festival ticket to the event on all regular network-wide Brisbane City Council buses and Queensland Rail City Network trains (excludes Brisbane City Council ferries, the G: and Airtrain service). Plan ahead at translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.
Tickets
$12 Adults (13+), $5 all Pensioners and Children FREE. Available online at www.paniyiri.com and at the gate.