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