Justin Trudeau and Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis walk in the Montreal independence parade – Montreal Achi-News

According to organizers, the Greek Independence Day parade in Montreal on Sunday was one of the largest ever in the city.

“We do about 2,000 to 3,000 participants [took part] in it, and there were about 5,000 spectators present” said Chris Adamopoulos, director general at the Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal.

Part of the reason, according to some, was the good weather. But a more likely cause for the large turnout, say those who put the parade together, was the presence of two prominent guests.

“It’s a big day,” smiled spectator Maria Govostis. “We have our prime minister from Greece here visiting, we have the prime minister of Canada. Why would I stay home?”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led the march along with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Jean Talon Street in the city’s Park Extension neighborhood in the heart of Trudeau’s riding.

“Justin Trudeau invited the prime minister of Greece to come to the march,” Adamopoulos told Global.

For many at the march, Mitsotakis’ presence added significance.

“It’s really cool,” said Anna Maria Vassiliou, who took part in the event. “This is the first year it’s been in Montreal, so we’re happy to have it here.”

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For some people like Nopie Tzotzis, who teaches Greek dancing, the parade is also about knowing the culture, the history and keeping traditions alive.

“The real traditions,” he said. “Greek dancing is not just about cutting plates. We have to keep the real traditions going.”

Greece fought for and gained independence from the Ottoman Empire in the mid-1800s. Many on Montreal’s parade Sunday see the event as a way to pay homage to their ancestors.

“They were enslaved for many years and they went through many hardships,” said Emmanuel Orfanos, another participant of the march. “Being able to represent them in this day and age and remember them for all their efforts, I think is very important.”

For Angie Katsiaras who watched the parade, the event goes even beyond that. She talks about passing on the history and traditions to the next generation.

“So they can feel our culture, our traditions, and place the values ​​of hope, freedom and acceptance on all of us.”

A key lesson to learn, especially in a place like Canada, he added.

“So we can all share and learn from each other. That is what defines Canada. “

& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.