Thousands pour into Esplanade for Greek food, dancing and beer as GleNTi kicks off

People haven’t wasted any time getting down to the Esplanade as GleNTi festival puts on thousands of kilos of food, as well as dancing and rides.

THOUSANDS poured into the Darwin Esplanade on Saturday to get their filling of yiros, baklava and Mythos as GleNTi celebrated 200 years of Greek Independence.

The long-running event, which was last year cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic, runs over two days this weekend and is predicted to attract more than 45,000 people.

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Among those happy to see its return is Hellenic Athletic Club president Kosta Boubaris, whose food stalls are raising money for his club.

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

Nick (L) and Kosta Boubaris at the 2021 Greek Glenti Festival on the Esplanade. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We will cook 1750 kilos of lamb on the souvla, as well as 800 kilos of chicken,” Mr Boubaris said.

“Then we’ll do another 600 kilos of yiros, and another tonne of chips,” he said.

Traditional Greek dancing was a popular event, with hundreds gathering around to watch.

Father Michael Ginnis said he was glad the event had returned for 2021.

Sarah Carterall (L) and Carly Gerrard at the 2021 Greek Glenti Festival on the Esplanade. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Maria Koukouvas 6 with the OPA dancers at the 2021 Greek Glenti Festival on the Esplanade. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“We’re very happy it’s back to showcase our culture and our food,” Mr Ginnis said.

“We’ve been preparing and looking forward to it for many months.”

When asked what his favourite thing about GleNTi was, Mr Ginnis said: “it’s a complete package”.

“The music and the atmosphere,” he said.