Demetra Polito '24
On Sunday, April 14, 2024, Greek Americans, Hellenes, and Philhellenes marched down Fifth Avenue for the New York City Greek Independence Day Parade. It was a beautiful day in New York City with the sun shining, a stark contrast from Friday's Flag Raising at Bowling Green, where participants, led by the Εὔζωνες (Evzones), the elite Presidential Guard of the Hellenic Republic, proudly marched in a downpour of rain to honor the Greek Flag and to celebrate Greek Independence.
This year was the 50th Anniversary of the illegal and unjust Turkish invasion of Cyprus, promoting a just and peaceful settlement for a unified Cyprus. At the pre-parade banquet on April 13, 2024, Archbishop Elpidophoros thanked the President of the Hellenic Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, for granting the parade with the presence of the Evzones reminding us of the Heroes of 1821, who gave their utmost so that Greece might be reborn a free nation.
The Greek Independence Day Parade has firmly assumed status as a NYC tradition and has been celebrated since 1938. The parade commemorates the Declaration of Greek Independence from the Ottoman Empire on March 25, 1821.
The parade is not just a tribute to the acclaimed political event; it is also a celebration of rich Hellenic cultural heritage and tradition. The parade is preceded by a month-long celebration of Greek heritage organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies. The parade attracted a great number of marchers and participants, who marched the streets of New York wearing bright ethnic costumes, carrying our Greek flag, and playing various musical instruments.
The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, was also present and declared his admiration for the Greek diaspora in New York City. Local politicians also in attendance were Senate Majority leader and New York Senator Chuck Schumer, New York Senator Andrew Gounardes, New York Senator Michael Giannaris, Representative Nicole Malliotakis, and New York State Assemblyman Mike Tannousis.
Hundreds of participants joined with Churches, Greek Schools, and other groups, such as GOYA and AHEPA, marched in the parade. Children waved Greek flags with beaming smiles and shouts of "Ζήτω ἡ Ἑλλάδα!" were heard throughout the entirety of the day. The Greek Independence Day Parades across the country and in New York City are wonderful celebrations of Greek heritage, culture, and the resilience of the Heroes of 1821.
As heard from Despina Savva ‘25 herself “Ζήτω ἡ Ἑλλάδα!” It’s important to show the freedom that Greece acquired from the Turks after being enslaved for 500 years, hence the Greek Independence Day Parade.