OuzoFest11

Unstable Weather Fails to Dampen Ouzo Spirit

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Bayswater's air was swelling with aromas of aniseed, bbq octupus and gyros, as hundreds of members and guests joined Palesviaki Enosis of Melbourne and Victoria's Ouzo Fest11 today, to celebrate arguably Lesvos' greatest exports- its ouzo.

Morning showers around Melbourne failed to dampen Lesvian spirit, and a large crowd turned up to enjoy an afternoon of great music, dancing, tasty food and, of curse, plenty of ouzo. There was something for everyone- even a jumping castle and face painting for th children.

Above: Ioannis Karanikolas keeps the ouzo flowing...

Above Right: Ta Levendopaida kept things swinging...

In their respective speeches, both Palesviaki Enosis' President, Panagiotis Dimitriou, and Pan-Lesvian Federation of Australia and New Zealand's President, Georgios Stavrinos, highlighted how the Festival has grown to become one of the most successful social events in Melbourne Greek community's social calendar. Other speakers included Victorian Parliamentarian for Bayswater, Heidi Victoria, and Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney's President, Stavros Kritikos.

Other Sydney representatives were: Antissian Association President, John Loukadelis, Mytilenian Brotherhood of Sydney's Committee Member, Eleftherios Samios, and representing the Progressive Community of Agiassos, Themis Hatzinikolaou.

Above: The tasty food just kept coming, thanks to all the volunteers' efforts and time. 

Highlights of the day were: the endless music from the Levendopaida, the traditional dances from Pygassos Dancing group and Palesviaki's own dancers. And what about the impressive cuisine!  And the continuous flow of ouzo...!.  

Master of Ceremonies was Georgios Karandonis- who had people in stitches with his humour.

For more photographs: Photo Gallery- Speakers

                                             Photo Gallery- Members and Guests

For the article on: "Our Journey" photoexhibition. 

Editor's Note: Anyone who is planning vist to Melbourne next year should also plan attending OuzoFest. It is simply a great afternoon- delicious food, plenty of drink and warm hospitality. It is a must....