The reviewing stand at the 2024 parade [file photo]
The annual Greek Independence Day parade will take place on Fifth Avenue in New York on Sunday.
Now in its 86th year, the parade is organized under the auspices of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York.
Among the distinguished guests invited are Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Greece’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris, Greek Ambassador to Washington Aikaterini Nasika, Greece’s Consul General in New York Ifigenia Kanara and former US ambassador to Greece George Tsunis.
Honorees include renowned Greek actor, director, and screenwriter Christoforos Papakaliatis, creator of Maestro, and three-time Olympic weightlifter Pyrros Dimas.
The event will also welcome representatives from the Greek Parliament, Greek political parties, local government officials and members of the US Congress of Greek descent.
More than 120 groups, including 52 floats and 15 bands, will march along Fifth Avenue from 64th to 79th Street. The parade will begin with an honor guard of the Evzones, Greece’s elite presidential guard.
According to organisers, funding for the parade has come from contributions by Tsunis, the Archdiocese of America, Greek American business leaders and AHEPA.
Meanwhile, New York police anticipate a larger turnout this year than in previous years.