Glendi
| Glendi Γλέντι | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Greek Music |
| Dates | 2 October 2009 – 3 October 2009 |
| Location(s) | Adelaide, Australia |
| Years active | 31 |
| Founded by | Lions Club of Adelaide Hellenic |
| Website | |
In Australia, Glendi is an annual weekend long festival that celebrates Greek culture in Australia. It is held in Adelaide during the month of March to commemorate Greece's Independence Day, and is the largest ethnic festival in South Australia. The festival has been taking place for over 30 years. Glendi is the Greek word for "party" or "celebration".
Australia
Glendi continues to be the major project of the Lions Club of Adelaide Hellenic. It raises money for a variety of charities and also provides an opportunity for the various local Greek brotherhoods, associations and clubs to raise money for their benefit. Music is performed by local, interstate and international artists. Art pieces and historical artifacts are displayed in the Cultural Marquee. Food from all regions of Greece is available. With an estimated 50,000 people turning out for the festivities every year, it is one of Australia’s largest multicultural festivals and also one of the largest festivals of its type in the Southern Hemisphere.
2009
For the first time in many years, the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds went under massive redevelopment and construction. To attract more visitors and patrons, the 2009 Glendi was held at the Goyder and Jubilee Pavilions and the outdoor areas surrounding the pavilions at the showgrounds. Since the Italian "Carnevale" festival was held there earlier in the year, it is expected that many other ethnic and cultural festivals will follow suit. Popular Greek artist Yiannis Katevas sang, accompanied by Adelaide 's prestigious Greek Lyceum dance school.