GALLERY: Darwin’s 2025 GleNTi kicks off

Lamb, chicken, pork, and, yes, octopus as well, was in plenty of supply as thousands packed the Darwin Esplanade for their Greek food fix. SEE THE GALLERY.

The 2025 GleNTi Festival was in full swing at the Darwin Esplanade. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Lamb, chicken, pork, and, yes, octopus as well, was in plenty of supply as thousands packed the Darwin Esplanade for their Greek food fix.

With a view to beat the rush of hungry locals, volunteers got in early to heat up their grills, with car parks immediately hard to come by.

By lunchtime, queues of up to 30 at a time could be seen snaking through the crowd.

The energy and excitement started before ‘noon. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

VIPs, including Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro were also keen to get in on the action.

Joining the hundreds of volunteers were MLAs Robyn Cahill and Laura Zio, who were both committed to serving up souvla.

With octopus in shorter-than-anticipated supply, seafood was in high demand early.

“We do have octopus, I repeat we do have octopus,” someone announced out of the PA system.

Olympic boys on the hot stove. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

In a bid to keep the younglings entertained, dance and music was not limited to traditional Greek, with a ‘Smurfs’-themed performance played early to the excitement of dozens of kids.

On the north side of the Esplanade, teenagers gathered to enjoy their carnival rides and sugar.

Behind the scenes at the Darwin Olympic and Hellenic camps, several GleNTi veterans could be seen beer in hand, saving their energy for the big night ahead.

Volunteers parked themselves early. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“We do have octopus, I repeat we do have octopus,” someone could be heard yelling over the PA. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Song and dance continued throughout the day. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The vast majority of attendees trickled through with loved ones in tow. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

As well as car park, tables were hard to come by. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Spirits were high both in the queues and in the kitchen. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Not everything on display originated from Greece. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Attorney General Marie-Clare Boothby getting in on the action.. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Hundreds of families indulged themselves. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“Don’t be shy!” shouts Darwin Olympic man Yiannis Prouzos. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Next door, the Hellenic community was also in full swing. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

MLA Robyn Cahill joined the ranks of volunteers. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Raphaella Saroukos finds a rare, quiet moment amid the rush. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

For many families, the picnic rug was the preferred dining area. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

MLA Laurie Zio during the 2025 GleNTi Festival at the Darwin Esplanade. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Fairy Jill, Ruby and Amy Hetherington. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Charli East, Bella East and Ellis Cremona. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Georgia Politis Photography. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Will Rintel, Garry Rintel and Noah Rintel. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Bree and Maddy. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Meg Baker and Sydney-Jack Baker. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Originally published as GALLERY: Darwin’s 2025 GleNTi kicks off