200.000+ Attended the New York Greek Parade

By on April 27, 2009 in New York, News

The Greek Parade took place on the 26th of April on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue. The biggest event of New York’s Greek community is an annual celebration of Hellenic identity and commemoration, through which all Hellenes can express and promote their culture and achievements to the world. The event is organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.

More than 200.000 people attended the event among them Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Treasurer of Illinois Alexi Giannoulias, Greek Minister of Defense Evangelos Meimarakis, and John Catsimatidis. The annual Greek Independence Day Parade, which is commemorating the 187th Anniversary of Greek Declaration of Independence, March 25th 1821, has become a New York City traditional event. Since 1938, it has attracted a vast number of New York participants, and since 1951 we have been celebrating it on Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

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  • Eleni

    This story is so different from what I've heard from someone who was there–hardly anybody showed up to this "thing" and the whole thing was ridiculous–hardly any history but rather the typical "turkobaroque" stuff.

  • I disagree with Elen

    Eleni you are wrong. I was there, and did not hear it from someone else, but rather was a part of it. The parade was packed with people. Early official estimates were at 100k-150k attendance, which they also announced on location and everyone heard. Not sure of the final numbers, but it was great.
    I do agree with that it was missing the "history" element, aside from the announcements. There needs to be something similar to what was during the opening ceremony of the olympics. a walk through Greek history, showcasing all eras and ending up to our independance.

  • George

    Fox News says 200,000 people… Eleni… don't know what planet you're on, but this was a huge celebration of Greek heritage with music, sing, children parading in traditional costumes, traditional greek dancing on the street… evzones. it was an amazing experience– the best parade ever. check your sources.