By Claire McHardy
In the lead up to Paniyiri, the Greek community is getting its fashion on at a pre-festival fashion parade on May 16.
The Greek Club will play host to the event, featuring the latest fashions from around the world as well as a selection of work from the Graduated Diploma Students of the Metropolitan South Institute of TAFE Fashion Department.
There will be dancing and feasting at Paniyiri.
The fashion students were given a brief to draw inspiration from three countries, including Greece.
Paniyiri spokeswoman Kath Rose said a crowd of around 300 is expected. “It’s become a real social occasion in the lead up to the festival,” Ms Rose said.
Kerry Xynias, who has designed a wedding dress for the parade's finale, can boast that her clothes have been worn by Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall.
For bookings, phone 3844 1166.
Honeypuff-eating , plate smashing and Zorba dancing are highlights of the main event on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25.
The public will be able to sample all things Greek as more than 30 food stalls are set take over Musgrave Park.
The festival’s roots date back to 1976 when a group of Greek Australians decided to share their culture with Brisbane. Funds raised by the event are fed back in to the Greek community.
Pre-Paniyiri Celebrations (all held at The Greek Club):
- Wednesday May 7 from 7pm – The Greek comedy, “The Desperates”
- Tuesday May 13 from 7pm – Dance Greek with 4BC!
- Wednesday May 14 from 7:30pm – Alex Kondos Memorial Lecture, “The Pursuit of Beauty in Ancient Greece”
- Friday May 16 from 7pm – The Paniyiri Fashion Parade
- Saturday May 17 from 7pm - Commemorative Dance Celebration, the 73rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete
- Tuesday May 20 from 6:10pm - Go Greek for a Night!
- Wednesday May 21 from 7:30pm – Solomos Greek Australian Cultural Society presents “A Performance by the Cypriot Dancers".