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.

Anna Lambrinidis, Zografia Rainoutis, Savvina Mousellis and Isabella El Zahed at the 2021 Greek GleNTi Festival on the Esplanade. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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.

Mikaylah and Oaklee-Mae were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

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.

Josh, Sara, and Kirra were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

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.”

SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE PHOTOS

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.

Aralia and Eddy were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Alva, Ava, Olivia, and Jack were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Several dance performances featured at the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Matthew, Yuki, and Aravind were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Thomas Schelling was among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Rachel was among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Lisa Robertson and Candice Oliver were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

The Dovey and Swain families were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Yvette, James, and James were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Alex, Cara, Nate, and Ellie Gardner were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Katie and Florence were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Jenny and Alex Nguyen were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Craig and Katrina were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Denise and David were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Christina, Kyle, Francesco, Reisoula, and Yanni Michail were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Liza Kathopoulis and Isaac Li were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Rebecca and Rey were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Louise and Valerie were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Gella, Koppi, Nasia, Isabella, Athena, and Joanna were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Ngaree Ah Kit and Lynley Rich were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Charista and Michayla Carroll were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Sam and Miriam were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Katherine, Seb, Marjorie, Katie, and Florence were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Natalia and Thenuka were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Kylie and Chanelle were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Ebony and Layla Robinson were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Keller, Indigo, Kip, Tyriqe, and Fletcher were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh

Nick and Jessie were among thousands of Territorians enjoying the 2023 Greek GleNTi on the Darwin Esplanade. June 10, 2023. Picture: Sierra Haigh