Estia Welcome
Read welcome messages for the Estia Greek Festival 2025.
MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNOR OF TASMANIA
Thank you for inviting me to send this Message of support for this 29th Estia Festival, organised by our Greek Community of Tasmania. The Estia, meaning 'home' in Greek, Festival was first held in 1994, with the objective of bringing our Greek Australian culture, heritage, and traditions to our broader community.
The first Estia had the theme 'two cultures' and aimed to celebrate the integration of our Greek and Australian cultures within Tasmania. Since then, the warmth and spirit of our Greek community have established this annual celebration as unique and appreciated by all. It is a major cultural event in Hobart.
Estia has always been a wonderful two-week celebration. This year the street festival has been expanded from one to two days on Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of February. This means that for the whole two days we can enjoy 'Yaiyia-approved' live Greek music (featuring traditional folk and modern bouzouki), traditional Greek dancing by the Hellenic Dancers and, of course, plenty of delicious Greek food.
On 9 February, the Estia Cup, between Greece and Italy, at Warrior Park, Warrane, will be an opportunity for Greece to repeat their crushing win of last year! Later, on 12 February, the Inaugural Estia Lecture: "Greek Antiquities during WWII," will be presented by renowned archaeologist Dr Stavaros Paspalas. The annual Taverna Night will conclude the festival at Hellenic Hose on the evening of 15 February.
The longevity of the Estia Festival is a significant achievement. It is a testament to the hard work of many dedicated volunteers. Tasmanians enjoy typically cheerful Greek goodwill and generosity yearly as you share your culture with up to 10,000 locals and tourists at the Federal Street, North Hobart venue.
As Governor, I congratulate and thank the Estia Festival Commitee for their dedication and hard work in arranging this year's Festival. May I also thank all the corporate and other sponsors, as well as all the supporters and volunteers, for their work.
I wish you all a successful, enjoyable, and memorable 30th Estia Festival.
BARABRA BAKER A.C
GOVERNOR
MESSAGE FROM THE PREMIER OF TASMANIA
Welcome to Estia Greek Festival 2025.
For more than 30 years Tasmanians have come together to celebrate Greek culture as part of Estia.
The longevity and success of Estia is a testament to all in our Tasmanian Greek community, and I congratulate you on another fantastic event.
Estia is a magnificent tribute to Greek culture, serving as a reminder of the incredible contribution our Tasmanian Greek community makes to our island home.
The Tasmanian Government has been a strong supporter of Estia, and this partnership continues through our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
It is wonderful to see Estia continuing to pay homage and honour the Greek community in Tasmania, their history and society.
Again, my congratulations and my sincerest thanks to the Greek Community of Tasmania for coordinating and sharing this much-loved event with all Tasmanians.
JEREMY ROCKLIFF MP
PREMIER
MESSAGE FROM THE LORD MAYOR OF HOBART
On behalf of the Elected Members, I extend my very best wishes to everyone attending the 2025 Estia Greek Festival, a beloved and iconic Hobart event which showcases the rich
culture and traditions of a community that has a long, proud history in Tasmania.
Since 1994, we have been able to look forward to a weekend in summer when Federal Street is transformed into a square in Santorini (or perhaps Mykonos would be more accurate!) and all Hobartians are invited to explore and celebrate these special Greek traditions.
We are very fortunate to have such an active, generous and vibrant Greek community here in Hobart, which we see on display every year as part of the Festival. Whether it’s the live music, arts and crafts, traditional dancing or incredibly delicious food, there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
The Estia Greek Festival continues to be a highlight in Hobart’s cultural calendar, and I commend the work the Festival does in promoting our inclusive and multicultural society.
To everyone involved in the Festival, congratulations on what is sure to be another wonderful weekend. Thank you for putting on this fabulous event for the people of Hobart.
Καλή διασκέδαση!
COUNCILLOR ANNA REYNOLDS
MAYOR OF HOBART
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT, GREEK COMMUNITY OF TASMANIA
It is my privilege to welcome you to the 2025 Estia Greek Festival. Now in its 29th year, this festival remains a celebration of Greek culture, connection, and belonging, uniting our community and sharing our heritage with Tasmanians from all walks of life.
On behalf of the Executive Committee of the Greek Community, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to our Festival Coordinator, Emanuel Roussos, who has worked tirelessly to bring this event to life. I also wish to acknowledge the incredible dedication of our organising committee, volunteers, and community members who have contributed countless hours to ensure the festival’s success. Their efforts truly embody the spirit of our community.
Furthermore, I would like to thank our sponsors and supporters, whose generosity has been invaluable. Their commitment enables us to continue showcasing our culture and uniting our community through events like this.
Over the festival, I invite you to embrace the vibrant Greek spirit—enjoy traditional food, enjoy live music, and experience the joy of Greek dancing.
Together, let’s celebrate the culture that connects and inspires us all.
Με εκτίμηση,
MANOLI KALIMNIOS
PRESIDENT, GREEK COMMUNITY OF TASMANIA
MESSAGE FROM THE HONORARY CONSUL FOR GREECE IN TASMANIA
I am honoured to write this message of welcome to the thousands of Tasmanians who attend the Estia Greek Festival each year.
The passion of the Greek Community is exemplified at this time and we eagerly await the ability to extend ‘filoxenia’ to the people of Tasmania. This is achieved by cooking mouthwatering dishes synonymous with Greek cuisine, raising a glass with our friends to say ‘yia mas’ as we share a drop of Ouzo, and getting you up from the crowd to join us in dance whilst traditional music and bouzoukia are playing throughout Federal Street!
In its 29th year, this Estia promises to be one of its best with the Street Festival spanning over two days. In addition, the Festival hosts an array of other events including the Taverna Night, and the renowned Greece v Italy soccer match.
Special mention must me given to the efforts of the Greek Community Executive Committee and its army of volunteers who work tirelessly to bring this Festival to life each year. The longevity of this Festival is a true testament to the Greek Community of Tasmania. Your ability to showcase Greek customs, traditions and culture and share this with the people of Tasmania is a treat not to be missed.
EKATERINA SKALIDIS
HONORARY CONSUL FOR GREECE IN TASMANIA