BOSTON, MA – The stomp of the Evzones’ tsarouhia echoed down Boylston Street, as hundreds of Greek-Americans and Philhellenes lined the sidewalks, cheering and waving Greek and American flags high into the spring air. Behind them, 65 Hellenic groups marched in step, bringing the story of Greece’s fight for freedom to life once again in the heart of Boston.

The Evzones of Boston. Photo by: John Deputy

“Greece is everywhere, wherever there are Greeks,” said Haris Doukas, Athens Mayor. “The presence of the New England Greek-American community here today was truly overwhelming. It was a great honor and emotional experience for me to participate alongside Boston Mayor Michelle Wu.”

The parade was the centerpiece of a series of events organized to commemorate Greek Independence Day. In the days leading up to April 27th, the community gathered for a Pre-Gala Dinner hosted at the Marriott Hotel in Quincy, Massachusetts, bringing together dignitaries, community leaders, and supporters in celebration of Hellenism. The morning of the parade began with a solemn Doxology, a Thanksgiving Liturgy, officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of Boston, offering prayers for Greece’s liberation and the enduring spirit of the Greek people.

The 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade, organized by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England, officially kicked off later that afternoon. The parade commemorated Greece’s declaration of independence from Ottoman rule on March 25, 1821, a moment that sparked a revolution and led to the birth of the modern Greek state.

President of FHASNE, Grand and Honorary Grand Marshals. Mayor’s Office Photo by: Mike Mejia

Boston Police officers and the Military Guards led the way, presenting the Greek and American flags, followed by dignitaries, including the President of the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE), Eleni Vidalis, Grand and Honorary Grand Marshals, and elected officials, who gathered for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to open the parade.

Leading the parade as Grand Marshals were Athens Mayor Haris Doukas, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios, and Consul General of Greece in Boston Symeon Tegos. Honorary Grand Marshals included: Filippos Fortomas, Alex Geourntas, Maria Polizou, Georgia Katsoulomitis, Regine Winza Etienne, Nicholas Larigakis, Andreas Nikolakopoulos, Jack Panayotou, and Elaine Rigas, each recognized for their dedication to promoting Hellenic values and strengthening ties between Greece and the diaspora.

Scenes from the parade. Photo by: John Deputy

Serving as the parade’s announcers were former Alpha Omega Council President Costa Sideridis, WMUR Channel 9 anchor & reporter Arielle Mitropoulos, and WMUR Channel 9 reporter fellow and WCVB Channel 5 assignment editor Nicholas Antonakas, who kept the energy high as they introduced each group marching down Boylston Street.

This year’s parade carried the theme “Philhellenism and the Spirit of Greece,” a tribute not only to the heroes of 1821 but to all who have stood and continue to stand for the ideals of freedom, democracy, and Hellenic pride.

Scenes from the parade. Photo by: John Deputy

After the parade ended, the celebrations rolled straight into the Boston Common, where the heart of the city turned into a bustling “Plaka.” Greek dance troupes performed traditional dances that showcased the music, rhythm, and costumes of every region of Greece. Legendary Greek singer Efi Thodi also lit up the stage with a powerful performance.

Scenes from the celebrations at Boston Common. Photo by: John Deputy

In a moving gesture of gratitude and solidarity, the Greek community honored the Haitian community, recognizing Haiti as the first country to support Greece’s independence in the early 19th century, officially, a powerful reminder that the spirit of freedom knows no borders.

Doukas, after the parade, reflected on the importance of his visit to Boston, highlighting the city’s deep commitment to democracy, freedom of expression, and education. “Boston is a city of great strength and history,” Doukas said. “We share many common values, and it was deeply inspiring to experience the pride, energy, and warmth of the Greek-American community here.”

Celebrating 204 years of independence, Boston’s vibrant Greek-American community once again proved that wherever Greeks stand, and for as long as they endure, they will honor their history, their heroes, and the eternal spirit of 1821.

Scenes from the celebrations at Boston Common. Photo by: John Deputy