The 29th annual Greek Parade of Boston is marching its way to Downtown for one-day-only next month! On Sunday, April 27, locals can relish as the city transforms into Athens, Greece! Parade organizers will turn the Boston Common into “Plaka,” the central square of Athens, Greece’s largest city.
A taste of Athens in Boston
For this one-day parade, the Boston Common transforms into Athens, Greece, bringing a taste of Hellenic heritage to Boston. New England is home to over 200,000 Greek Americans, and this parade celebrates their culture and independence. There will be dancing, music, decorations, and of course, plenty of delicious Greek food to immerse yourself in the culture!
Local Greek dance troupes along with The New England Evzones will perform dances from Athens and other parts of Greece, attendees are encouraged to chime in and groove. The annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston commemorates Greece’s independence from Ottoman Rule, which began on March 25, 1821.
This year’s parade, themed “Philhellenism and The Spirit of Greece,” is presented by various local organizations working to amplify Greek community in Boston such as the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE). This year’s parade will welcome an estimated 100 Hellenic groups!
“The Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston is returning this year after a record-breaking attendance last year,” says President of FHANSE, Eleni Vidalis. “We look forward to the Boston community walking with us again in celebration.”
Greek Parade festivities
It wouldn’t be a Greek parade without copious amounts of grape leaves, loukoumades, and tzatziki! Street stands and food trucks will fill the Boston Common for an indulgent day in this Mediterranean cuisine.
And don’t be surprised if maybe a Greek celeb like John Stamos or Jennifer Aniston make a cameo. Past guest speakers at Boston’s Greek Independence Parade include Maria Menounos, Konstantinos A. Karamanlis (Former Prime Minister of Greece), and Professor Dimitrios Pandermalis (President of the New Acropolis Museum)! This year’s parade speakers will be a surprise!
Parade begins at the Lenox Hotel (intersection of 61 Exeter Street and Boylston Street) and finishes at Charles Street
Festival continues post-parade on the Boston Common
Sunday, April 27 from 1 PM