THE 28TH ANNUAL GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE OF BOSTON RETURNED TO BOYLSTON STREET ON SUNDAY, APRIL 7TH
The March Celebrating Greece’s Independence was Attended by 60+ Hellenic Groups and Packed with Greek Pride, Music, Dancing & Culture
Photo Caption: (From L-R) Metropolitan of Boston, His Eminence Methodios; Grand Marshal & Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Chrysoulakis; Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE) President, Vasilios “Bill” Kafkas; Honorary Grand Marshal & Council General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos; and Honorary Grand Marshal & Mayor of Somerville, Katjana Ballantyne lead the 28th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston (Photo Credit: Nina Campanello)
BOSTON, MA (April 8, 2024) – The 28th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston returned on Sunday, April 7th, which welcomed over 60 registered Hellenic groups who marched along Boston’s Boylston Street in commemoration of Greece’s independence from Ottoman Rule, which began on March 25, 1821.
This year’s parade was presented by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE), supported by the Mayor's Office of Special Events and Tourism, and was in cooperation with The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston (MBC) and The Consulate General of Greece in Boston.
The parade kicked off at the intersection of Boylston Street and Exeter Street in front of The Lenox Hotel with the Boston Police and the Military Guards who presented the USA & Greek Flags followed by the Parade Dignitaries, Federation President, Grand & Honorary Grand Marshals and Elected Officials, who conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony.
Those present for the ribbon cutting (L-R) were Honorary Grand Marshal & Boston City Councilor Erin Murphy; Honorary Grand Marshal & Boston City Clerk, Alex Geourntas; Metropolitan of Boston, His Eminence Methodios; Grand Marshal & Secretary General for Greeks Abroad & Public Diplomacy for Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ioannis Chrysoulakis; Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE) President, Vasilios “Bill” Kafkas; Honorary Grand Marshal & Channel 5 News Anchor, Maria Stephanos; Honorary Grand Marshal & Council General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos; Honorary Grand Marshal & Mayor of Somerville, Katjana Ballantyne; and Honorary Grand Marshal & Greek-American Singer, Maria Kalomoira Sarantis.
Following were the Caryatids who presented the Greek flag and the New England Evzones who marched proudly as representatives of the Greek Army. The parade, which marched down Boylston Street, then saw over 60 registered groups including Greek dance troupes, local churches and universities, and more. Highlights included the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England; Metropolis of Boston Youth Dance Group; Hellenic College and Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School Of Theology; Annunciation Cathedral of New England; Greek Group Tutoring; Boston Lykeion Ellinidon; and much more.
The review stand at Boylston and Charles Street across from the Four Seasons Hotel Boston and directly in front of the Boston Public Garden greeted paraders at the end of the parade. Here, the Parade Announcers, Former President of FHASNE & Local Personality, Eleni Vidalis and Former President of Alpha Omega Council, Costa Sideridis welcomed and announced all groups and departments.
Present here were the Parade Dignitaries, Federation President, Grand & Honorary Grand Marshals and Elected Officials, who conducted a ribbon cutting ceremony. Other Honorary Grand Marshals present here included Boston City Council President, Ruthzee Louijeune; Boston City Councilor, Enrique Pepén; Boston City Councilor, Sharon Durkan; Boston City Councilor, Ed Flynn, District 2; Boston City Councilor, Tania Fernandes Anderson; State Auditor, Dianna Dezoglio; Mayor of Lowell, Daniel Rourke; and Mayor of Brockton, Robert Sullivan. Not present was Honorary Grand Marshal in Absentia, Mr Fredi Beleris.
Once the parade concluded, the Boston Common transformed into “Plaka,” Athens’ central square, with a Greek cultural celebration packed with Hellenic heritage. The New England Evzones and local Greek dance troupes performed dances from all over Greece such as the Kalamatiano, Tsamikos, Karagouna and Makedonia Xakoutsi. Hundreds of supporters surrounded the performance, were encouraged to try their hand at Greek dancing, and indulged in authentic Greek food offered by Greek street trucks.
New England is home to over 200,000 Greek Americans and over 60 Greek Orthodox parishes in the Metropolitan Area. To learn more about the Greek Independence Day Parade, please visit https://fhasne.com.
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About The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England (FHASNE):
The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, founded in 1982, is the premier umbrella organization of over forty Hellenic-American associations, representing over thousands of individuals in the community. The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England celebrates Hellenic heritage by sponsoring and organizing programs and activities that promote and preserve the values and ideals of our Hellenic culture thereby enriching our community and nation. Its purpose and interest is the perpetuation of those values and ideals that are embodied within the Hellenic heritage – including the pursuit of knowledge, education, the arts, and civic responsibility. They are also the proud coordinator of several Hellenic-American community celebrations including the annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston, which attracts thousands of community members and brings together people from throughout New England. For more information visit https://fhasne.com.
About Mayor's Office of Special Events and Tourism:
The Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports, and Entertainment supports the tourism industry in Boston by producing events, supporting film and TV production, and marketing the City to conventions and visitors. For more information, visit www.boston.gov/departments/tourism-sports-and-entertainment.
About The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston (MBC):
MBC is the Camping Ministry of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston. The Mission of the Metropolis of Boston Camp is to enhance the lives of its participants by bringing campers and staff into a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ, their Orthodox faith, and Hellenic culture. MBC provides the opportunity for young people of the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston to foster a life-long appreciation and love of their Orthodox faith, friends, and cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.metropolisofbostoncamp.org.
About The Consulate General of Greece in Boston:
The Consulate General of Greece in Boston provides services including the renewal of passports, application of VISAS, citizen issues, military service matters, and power of attorneys. For more information, visit www.mfa.gr/usa/en/consulate-general-in-boston.
Media Contact:
Dena Public Relations
Dena Skeadas, Founder
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