Love of Greece Brings Out Thousands to 5th Ave. to Celebrate Independence

**Evzones March Up 5th Avenue With Love and Pride of Country**

A cooler Sunday afternoon was just perfect for the 86th annual Greek Independence Parade. Thousands of Greek Americans came out to celebrate the 204th anniversary of the liberation of Greece from the Ottoman Empire. This event is billed as the largest celebration of Greece outside of Greece. It was a great opportunity to display the contributions the Greek community has made to NYC and the World. Parade organizers, The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, were happy once again to have as special guests the Evzones, the ceremonial Presidential Guard, lead the parade. The Greeks are a religious people and marchers are always especially glad to see their leader His Eminence Archbishop Elpidorphoros of America waving from the grandstand on 68th Street.

**His Eminence Elipidorphoros with the Red Ruby Medallion Waves to the Crowd**

**Students From the Hellenic School in Athens Greece**

**Evzones Hearing Both Greek and American National Anthems**

Groups that received the most recognition from the crowd were the Greek American Folkloric Society with their traditional Greek attire. Dancers from the town of Corfu brought their musical instruments and dancers to take part of a wonderful tradition in New York City. Many of the Orthodox Greek schools and churches from the Tri-state area marched up the parade route from 64th to 79th streets on 5th Avenue. My personal favorite church is the St. Nicholas Church that was destroyed during the Terrorist attacks on 9/11. The church stood across the street from the South Tower and arose again like a phoenix from the ashes with the help of contributors from across the globe. Soccer fans were also jubilant when champions from both the UEFA Youth League and Europa Conference League raised their cups from the Olympiacos float. It was great to see the love and spirit of the Greek people alive and well. Then I had to my way to try some delicious Greek food at The Casual Greek on 2nd Ave…some of the best moussaka around.

Related articles and videos:

https://www.britannica.com/event/War-of-Greek-Independence

https://stnicholaswtc.org/

Evzones Marching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3NB-bWUyjcE

Cyprean Folkloric Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vGydmPE3vY

Corfu Folkloric Band: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kxi7wTovv-c