Opa! Paniyiri celebrates 50 years with a vibrant program of grape stomping and plate smashing

Did you know that more than 30,000 Queenslanders have Greek heritage? Want proof? Just look at how Brisbane turns out for Paniyiri every year. Starting in 1976 as a simple celebration at The Greek Club, Paniyiri has grown into a two-day cultural phenomenon that attracts more than 50,000 visitors every year. This year’s 50th anniversary celebration promises a vibrant experience for all ages, bringing everything from the Zorba and authentic Greek cuisine to Brisbane.

This year’s event will feature traditional dancing by The Hellenic Dancers, cooking demonstrations by celebrated chefs, 20 food stalls, wine tastings and the much-loved pop-up Greek village as Paniyiri honours its proud history.

Co-chairman of the volunteer organising committee, Kos Kastrissios said the 50 year mark was an outsanding achievement for the festival.

You might like

Food & Drink

South City Square scores a sandwich spot of its own with the arrival of Stack’d

Food & Drink

From gigs to gastronomy – the Crowbar team expands into dining with Never Enough

You might like

Food & Drink

South City Square scores a sandwich spot of its own with the arrival of Stack’d

Food & Drink

From gigs to gastronomy – the Crowbar team expands into dining with Never Enough

“More than a festival, Paniyiri is a living bridge between Greek tradition and Brisbane’s multicultural community and proves that culture is best shared through music, dance, food and people,” Kastrissios said.

Paniyiri is a not-for-profit event, run by volunteers to raise funds for community groups and charities. With every food and market stall run by the Greek community, all funds raised are distributed back via the Brisbane Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane’s oldest Greek community which was established in the 1920s.

Tickets will go on sale from March 19 via the Paniyiri website, at $18 for adults and free entry for children under 12. Early bird tickets are available for $15 until March 29.