On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Greek Independence Day Parade took place in New York City, for a great turnout. This is the largest Greek Independence Day Parade (of its kind) in the United States. Markos Papadatos has the scoop.
It was organized by the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, and its theme this year was “Greece: The Birthplace of Democracy & Strategic Partner of America.”
This marked 204 years since March 25, 1821, the start of the Greek Revolution for liberation from the Ottoman Turkish yoke.
The Parade kicked off with the Greek Flag of Acropolis, the ceremonial contingent of the Evzones, the Presidential Guard.
During this parade, Greek Americans from all over North America and Canada gathered in Manhattan to participate in the 204th annual celebration of their independence from the Ottoman Empire.
This event started promptly at 1:30 p.m. and it lasted over three hours, as Greek Americans marched from 61st Street to 74th Street, where they displayed their Greek American roots, pride, spirit, and patriotism.
This parade was first organized back in 1938, and it has grown exponentially over the subsequent decades. In the 2025 parade, there were in excess of 120 groups, 52 floats, and 15 bands participating in the parade, as they celebrated Greek heritage, identity, and culture.
In addition, Cyprus had a strong presence in its own right, with multiple floats, and various groups, which included Northern Epirotes and Pontians, as they paid tribute to their lost homelands.
The Armenian American community also participated, highlighting the deep historical connections between Greek Orthodox Christians and Armenians ever since the Byzantine Empire era.
Other participants included federations, societies, associations, professional groups, trade clubs, women’s organizations, businesses, schools, student associations, churches, and religious communities
The parade’s organizational team included Parade General Chairman Philip Christopher, Parade Chairman Yannis Stroumbakis, Parade Executive Director Georgea Kontzamanis, and a committee that is made up of 35 membes.
Announcers at this year’s parade included Anthoula Katsimatides, Demetris Filios, Dimitris Filippidis, and Michael Stratis.
The 2025 Parade Grand Marshals were His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras (who represented the Metropolis where the Greek War of Independence began), as well as General Andrew Poppas, and Evangelos Marinakis, the President of Olympiacos Soccer Club.
The Honorary Marshals were three-time Olympic gold medalist weightlifter Pyrros Dimas and Christoforos Papakaliatis, the star, writer, and director of the hit Netflix show “Maestro in Blue.”
Greek Americans that span second to fifth generations, are working to revive their local schools and communities. Also, for the first time in recent years, smaller Greek Orthodox churches participated in the parade.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2025 Greek Independence Day Parade in Manhattan was well-received, as it showcased the strength, unity, and pride of the Greek American community in the United States.
There was a feeling of euphoria in the air, where one felt like they were in marching in the parade that was held in Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece.
The participation of thousands of marchers, dignitaries, and organizations demonstrated the enduring significance and relevance of Greek heritage, culture, and religion.
This event marked another chapter in the ongoing celebration of Greek independence and the continuing bond between the United States and Greece.
