The Portarlington Greek Festival returns this Sunday, 1 November, for its second year. Organiser Alexandra Dascarellos promises more food, music and stalls.
As founder and managing director, Dascarellos told the Geelong Independent that this year’s festival will be “bigger and better”. The day runs from 10am to 5pm.
Portarlington Greek Festival grows in year two
Up to 10,000 people came to the first event in 2025, Dascarellos said. In fact, the crowd was so big that stalls sold out of Greek food.
This year the event covers W.G. Little Reserve, the Seniors Community Hall and Parks Hall on Newcombe Street. The site lies opposite the Portarlington Grand Hotel, and entry is by donation.
Read more: Chicago’s Taste of Greektown returns for its 36th annual celebration
Organisers say more than 100 stalls will sell food, products and services. As we reported earlier this month, they expect up to 20,000 visitors over the Melbourne Cup long weekend.
Dascarellos said her parents are Greek and came to Australia in 1953. For her, the day is about bringing people together and building respect between cultures.
“Ignorance breeds prejudice,” she said. She added that people who learn about other cultures tend to be more tolerant and accepting.
Music, dancing and emergency services
Music starts early. Anagennisi opens the main stage at 10am, while Agapi & Friends play Parks Hall from 11am. Spasta Band also performs from 11am, near the licensed area.
Visitors can also expect Greek dancing, belly dancers, ouzo, wine and beer. Only adults may drink, and only inside a set area.
In addition, Bellarine SES, Ambulance Victoria and police will attend. Dascarellos said the aim is education, so young people might think about becoming first responders.
Geelong Mayor Dr Stretch Kontelj and Bellarine MP Alison Marchant will open the Portarlington Greek Festival, according to organisers. The City of Greater Geelong and Bellarine Bayside support the event.
This year’s Portarlington Greek Festival joins a busy spring of Greek community events around Australia, including the Gold Coast. Even so, few offer ouzo by the water on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Source: Geelong Independent
