The Greek Independence Day Parade was underway on New York’s Fifth Avenue, as well as in Boston and Philadelphia, on Sunday, April 26, drawing thousands of participants and spectators to honor the heroes of 1821 and celebrate the immortal Greek spirit.
Evzones guards from Greece joined Greek associations in the US, schools, and student organizations in the parades marking the 205th anniversary of the Greek War of Independence. More than 110 groups took part in New York alone, with 47 of them featuring their own floats.
The greatest Greek Independence Day parade in US
In New York City, the parade is the highlight of a three-day series of events, which includes the traditional flag-raising ceremony at Bowling Green and the grand marshals’ reception every year.
The annual Greek Parade is being organized under the auspices of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, with Louis Katsos serving as the Chairman of the 45-member, 2026 Greek Independence Day Parade Committee. John A. Katsimatidis and Nicholas Tsakos were this year’s Grand Marshals.
The theme of the parade was the 205/250th Anniversaries of two revolutions united by the enduring ideals of freedom, self-determination, and civic virtue; the Greek War of Independence (1821); and the American Declaration of Independence (1776).
Evzones return to Boston after 25 years
The Greek flag was also raised at Boston’s City Hall Plaza on Friday ahead of the 30th Greek Independence Day Parade in the city.
The celebration was joined by the Evzones Presidential Guard for the first time in 25 years.
“Moments like these remind us of the deep roots and lasting contributions of the Greek-American community,” the Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England wrote on their Facebook page.
In Philadelphia, celebrations started from the Doxology at Saint George Cathedral and continued with the parade along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, bringing together Greek churches, schools, and families from across the region.