Greek Independence Day parade returns to Montreal after two-year hiatus

Montreal’s weekend-long Greek Independence Day celebrations came to a close Sunday afternoon. The parade returned to the streets of Park Extension after two years of pandemic-related restrictions.

“We’re really happy to be back on Jean Talon putting the parade together,” said the Executive Director, Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal, Denis Kotsoros.

The Community organized the more than 40-year-old tradition. According to Kotsoros the event celebrates the 1821 war of independence against the Ottoman empire as well as Hellenism.

“In Quebec, and in Montreal in particular, we celebrate that all the time. We celebrate that through our schools. We celebrate that through our ecclesiastical groups and we celebrate that through our social services. That’s something that we’re very very proud of,” he said.

The 2022 parade’s grand marshall was Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. She led the parade, followed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who represents the Papineau riding.

2:36 Greece PM apologizes for handling of wildfires as hundreds protest outside parliament

Hellenic schools, associations and community groups marched along the usual route, Jean Talon street from Hutchinson to L’Acadie.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The 45 minute celebration was subdued compared to previous years, something that was expected, say organizers.

Regardless, hundreds of spectators turned up to wave Greek, Quebec and Canadian flags.

After the pandemic hiatus, Greek Montrealers told Global News they hope to continue to pass along Greek pride and tradition for generations to come.