Paniyiri - Greek Festival May 19, 2006

Brisbane's famed Greek Festival to celebrate 30 zorba-kicking years

There's no need to make the 15,180km trip from Brisbane to Athens for authentic Hellenic hospitality, music, history, mystery, games and dance when the famous Paniyiri Festival on May 20 and 21 delivers the very best of Greece over two exciting days right here in Brisbane.



Announcing the 2006 Paniyiri Program today, chairman Chris Kazonis said 2006 would be a very special event, celebrating 30 years of Paniyiri and paying tribute to the strength and diversity of the 25,000-strong Greek community in South East Queensland.



Paniyiri highlights this year include a Greek Goddess (Effie), the world's longest Zorba, 100,000 Honey Puffs, gallons of Mythos Beer, 500 kilograms of Haloumi cheese, 100,000 Souvlaki, 10,000 Dolmades, 1,000 kilograms of baby octopus, countless cunning Tavli moves, Greek grannies creating culinary delights, six dancing celebrities and a hefty helping of Hellenic hospitality.



In addition to the food, dance and music elements of the Festival, this year will also feature a free program of insightful and inspiring public lectures delivered by some of the country's foremost authorities including The Greek islands and Queensland: The Poet, the Governor and his Greek Lady delivered by Dr Con Castan, The Colossus of Rhodes presented by Emeritus Professor Bob Milns, Art & Eroticism in Greek Mythology presented by Mr Con O'Brien and Community & Diversity in Changing Times presented by Professor Mary Kalantzis.



Chairman of Paniyiri, Chris Kazonis, said the program of lectures, Church tours and cultural displays went hand in hand with the famed dance, music and food celebration.



"In the 30th year of Paniyiri we will celebrate a full passport of Greek destinations and experiences over one weekend covering all parts of our rich culture - from the food and dance, to the Church, our beliefs, our histories and mysteries, our families, our heritage," he said.



"We invite all of South East Queensland to be part of this incredible event, now recognized as the signature celebration of all things Greek."



DESTINATION 1: MUSGRAVE PARK MAIN STAGE

The Main Stage will feature hours of authentic Greek entertainment including the famous Kapa Bros., Ha Va Le Band, Hellenic Dancers, Habbibis, Ta Palikaria and DJ Kossi on both Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21.



q Hellenic Dance Classes

Dance classes will take place at the Main Stage for those keen to try their feet at authentic Greek dance including the famous Zorba, Sousta, Kalamatiano and Sirto on Saturday May 20 from 3:30pm.



q Greek Dancing with the Stars

Self-appointed Greek Goddess, Effie returns to Brisbane to host the coveted Greek Dancing with the Stars on Saturday May 20 from 7pm. 6



q Zorbathon World Record

Festival goers have the chance to dance their way in to the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest Zorba on Saturday May 20 from 6pm. Over 3,000 participants are needed to take the crown.



q Tavli Tournament (Greek Backgammon)

Expert, amateur or even beginner Tavli (Greek Backgammon) players can try their hand at the Great Game of the Greeks, with the Final Round being staged at The Greek Club & Convention Centre on Tuesday May 16 from 6:30pm. The Semi Final and Grand Final will take place from 5:30pm on Sunday May 20 near the Coffee Club stall, followed by trophy presentations on the Musgrave Park Main Stage.



q Honey Puff Eating & Olive Eating Competitions

Those with a ravenous appetite for Greek treats and a hunger to win can take part in Honey Puff or Olive Eating Competitions. Heats will take place on the SBS Stage from 12:30pm and finals from 1:30pm on the Musgrave Park Main Stage on Sunday May 21.



DESTINATION 2: MUSGRAVE PARK, SOUTH BRISBANE

q Flavours

A smorgasbord of some 30 different food stalls will take Festival goers on a culinary journey through the Aegean, Mainland Greece, Cyprus, Chios, Crete and the Rhodes region. Baklava, Honey Puffs and Kataifi are a must for the sweet tooth and, for those with a hearty appetite, Souvlaki, Spanikopita, Haloumi, Dolmades or Kefta.



q Fun and Festivities

Detour down sideshow alley for a host of amusement rides and games for the young and young at heart.



q Fireworks

A spectacular fireworks display will explode across the skies of South Brisbane on Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21 from 7pm. Presented by Drakos Real Estate.



DESTINATION 3: THE GREEK CLUB & CONVENTION CENTRE

The Greek Club is the center of the Greek community and its thriving culture. It's a destination where tradition holds firms, welcomes are warm and hospitality is all, whether it's Paniyiri or any other day.



qPublic Lectures & Cultural Displays

Ancient Greece can be discovered through a series of informative lectures on Sunday May 21 including: The Greek Islands and Queensland: The Poet, The Governor and his Greek Lady' presented by Dr Con Castan at 12:30pm, 'The Colossus of Rhodes' presented by Emeritus Professor Bob Milns at 1:30pm and 'Art and Eroticism in Greek Mythology' presented by Mr Con O'Brien at 3:30pm. Free of charge.



qGreek Cooking Demonstrations

The culinary secrets behind traditional Greek cuisine and its modern evolution will be shared with sweet and savory demonstrations on Sunday May 21 from 11am. **A must see.



qZorba Dance Night and Workshops

Budding dancers can "Go Greece Lightning" and burn up the Greek Club dance floor with Greek dance workshops on Wednesday May 17 from 7pm.



qGreek Orthodox Church of St George Tour

This iconic church will open its doors for Festival goers to explore its mystique and warmth on guided tours all day Saturday May 20 and Sunday May 21. Church Regalia will also be on display.

qTaverna Night

The traditional Taverna Night will take place on Friday and Saturday nights from 7pm.

qTrella - Official Paniyiri After Party

The Official Paniyiri After Party will conclude Paniyiri 2006 with sounds from Sydney's renowned DJ Krazy Kon and Brisbane's own DJ Kossi on Sunday May 21 from 7pm. Tickets $12 and available from The Greek Club & Convention Centre.





PANIYIRI is presented by The Greek Orthodox Community of St George, Brisbane and is based at The Greek Club and Musgrave Park, South Brisbane. Now in its 30th successful year, PANIYIRI is a signature community event, which brings together the 25,000-strong Greek Community as well as South East Queensland's greater community in a true multi-cultural celebration.