The Origins of the Dimitria Festival
A Journey from Thessaloniki to Thebarton, South Australia
Adelaide, 1979 - Thebarton Oval was the birthplace of the first Dimitria in South Australia outside of Thessaloniki.
The festivities spanned a week, from October 20 to 28, culminating in an open air festival on Sunday The program consisted of cultural activities including Greek dancing, theatrical performances, film screenings, art exhibitions, traditional music and dance, recitals, lectures
The festival coordinating committee comprised of members from the following five Greek Macedonian Associations: Alexander the Great, Kastorian Society, Pierikos Society, The Pontian Brotherhood and The Flambouro Society
Dimitria Greek Festival, 1979
The first Greek Macedonian Festival ‘Ta Dimitria’ Organising Committee:
P. Demourtzidis, H. Papatheodorou, D. Giagtzis, Y. Kyritsis, V. Fotkou
Y. Karkafiris, M. Kapetas, Y. Mitroussidis, P. Devrelis, N.Diamond
The first Dimitria festival was made possible by the generous financial assistance from the Government of South Australian, under the auspice of the Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission
read the history of the festival on page 4.
Passing of The Torch
John Mitroussidis
Founding Chief Editor
The Hellenic Macedonian Voice publication began in 2005, with social and cultural articles by Founding Editor in Chief, Mr Ioannis Mitroussidis, 93 - born in Flambouro, Florinia, Greece.
He honoured significant religious dates in the Greek Orthodox calendar, such as the Commemoration of the Dormition of Panagia, in every August issue. Ioannis also promoted and featured photos from events from all five Associations which were held at the clubrooms.
We thank Ioannis for his ongoing dedication to the Greek community for the past 18 years with this publication, and his unwavering, selfless voluntary commitment. We look forward to him contributing to future editions.
Back row
Front row
Dimitria Festival, 1979 - Programme cover
Dimitria Festival, 1979 - Programme
Dimitria 2023 - View From The S
The 42nd Dimitria Festival as seen by Floga Band
Every year the Pan Macedonian Federation of South Australia surprises us with the Dimitria Festival Last year from our perspective from the stage, we saw how much people felt the need to go out for a weekend and experience the Greek tradition, taste the traditional delicacies and enjoy music - while dancing and meeting their friends!
The weather was spectacular, and on Sunday night in particular, our stage was flooded with Adelaide's youthdancing non-stop with a passion,
having plenty of fun, ask songs they love, and of c music guests, we fulfille musical desires by playin into the evening
We felt the desire of the Hellenic community for s festivals, and we were so Floga Band (translated to Band in Greek) to be par Dimitria Festival by enter everyone, with a variety o covering all regions of G
Floga Band will be performing at the 2024 Dimitria Festival.
Picture it, Thessaloniki, Macedonia, Northern Greece - The ‘DIMITRIA, the great annual festival begins History of Dimitria: Exploring its Byzantine Heritage
The Dimitria is a festive manifestation whose roots are founded in the deep heart of Macedonian history
During the Byzantine Era ‘DIMITRIA’ was enacted in Thessaloniki, the capital city of Macedonia, consecrated to Saint Demetrius, the city’s Patron
These years in Thessaloniki ‘DIMITRIA’ were popular festivities and comprised religions ceremonies and artistic performances
Festival, 1979 - event programme
Their organisation continued until 1430, when Thessaloniki succumbed to the Turks
The ‘DIMITRIA’ recommenced in 1912, when Thessaloniki and Macedonia were liberated by the Greek Army Since then, the festival takes place in Thessaloniki annually
The Dimitria went through a revival in 1966 with the local tourist board sponsiring the event and now it continues to run by the municipal authorities of the city
The Pan Macedonian Federation of South Australia aims to recreate, in modern times, the traditional and popular festival and share the customs and traditions of the Greek Macedonians to the broader ethnically diverse communities of South Australia
The 2024 Dimitria Festival will be held at our home base, The Hellenic Macedonian Cultural Centre, 94 Henley Beach Road Mile End
We once again aim to bring the cultural traditions of Thessaloniki to the South Australian wider community
- excerpt from the 1979 Greek Macedonian Festival ‘Ta Dimitria’ official programme book.
The 43rd Dimitria Festival, 2024, is made possible by the support of The Government of South Australia.
The Macedonian Voice - Editorial Committee
Sofia Dimitrakopoulou
Nicole Genimahaliotis
Katerina Malakozis
The Vergina Greek Women’s Society: A Brief History
Established in 1991 as an auxiliary women’s committee to assist the Pan Macedonian Association of South Australia, Vergina was established to promote the history, culture, ideals and traditions of Macedonia
The Society has organised musical performances, cultural functions, Christmas celebrations, and participated in The Dimitria Festival since its inception
They have raised funds for charitable causes such as the Anti-Cancer Foundation, the Heart Foundation, the Women’s and Children’s Hospital, and the Mary Potter Hospice.
The Vergina committee is proud to be associated with the 2024 Dimitria Festival and showcasing the Macedonian pittes in three signature flavours - cheese, spinach, and leek
Image Credits
2023:
Chrysi Karagiannis
Dimitria 1979 booklet: Ioannis Mitroussidis
The Macedonian Voice is brought to you by The Pan Macedonian Federation of S.A
Dimitria
Christopher Genimahaliotis
Dimitria
Vergina Macedonian pittes