Greek GleNTi 2023 serves up best of Greek food, music and culture
Territorians young and old got to experience Darwin’s Greek GleNTi for the first time, joining thousands at the festival for a celebration of Greece’s culture, food, and music.
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Chase and Mikaylah used the long weekend to introduce daughter Oaklee-Mae to the popular Greek GleNTi, where she enjoyed a variety of dishes and dances inspired by Greek culture.
“I think the music is more of her favourite,” Mikaylah said.
“We’re waiting for Paw Patrol,” Chase added.
While they waited, the family shared plates of octopus, cuttlefish, and loaded chips.
Mikaylah said they had waited about 30 minutes in line for their food, but each bite was delicious.
Josh and Sara also took their 10-month-old Kirra to the Esplanade to enjoy the event for the first time.
Sara said Kirra’s highlight of the day was the music.
Josh – who was also visiting the GleNTi for the very first time after 23 years living in the Territory – said he came down to support his friends who were cooking up a feast.
The weekend’s festivities also included live Greek music, and three-on-three basketball games.
Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia president Nick Poniris said the GleNTi brought the experience of Greece to the foreshore of Darwin Harbour.
“The food is done traditionally as it has been done generations before us,” he said.
“It’s all family fun and affordable and is a great event for locals and interstate guests.”
Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said the weekend was a chance to embrace the Top End’s multiculturalism.
“Darwin GleNTi is an incredible opportunity for people to learn more about, and embrace, the rich and vibrant Territory Greek culture,” she said.
“The popularity of GleNTi is spread far and wide, with people travelling from down south and from overseas to visit and embrace the atmosphere.”
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GleNTi Festival to bring taste of Greek Islands to the Top End
Limber up those Zorba muscles and loosen those pants for a second helping of souvlaki – the Darwin Greek GleNTi Festival returns this weekend.
Now in its 33rd year, the festival highlighting Greek culture through music, dance, drink and traditional costumes has established itself as a major multicultural event not just in the Top End but across the country.
“This really is one of the premier events in the Greek calendar Australia-wide,” president of the organising committee Nicholas Poniris said.
“We’re looking forward to everyone coming along and having a great time, and hosting the interstate and international guests who want to see the best the NT has to offer.”
Mr Poniris said they expected more than 40,000 people through the doors to enjoy the authentic Greek experience.
“There’ll be traditional dancing that you don’t see often these days, and the band is second to none,” he said.
“Each food stall represents a traditional part of Greek food that’s prepared and delivered how it used to be in the old country, the flavours and taste that we put out at GleNTi are like you’re literally sitting in Greece having a meal.”
More than 10 tonnes of food is being prepared for the event, with meals starting from $10.
“We’re conscious of setting family friendly price points, so it’s affordable for families to come for the day,” Mr Poniris said.
Profits from the community-run festival flow back to the Greek Orthodox Community of North Australia to help support soccer clubs and other community groups.
This year’s theme is the Dodecanese Islands, a group of islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea known for their natural beauty, rich history, and unique cultural heritage.
GleNTi will be held on June 10 and 11 at the Esplanade and entry is free.
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