2011 Greek Independence Day Parade on New York’s Fifth Avenue Dedicated to “Visit Greece”

24 March 2011 by Apostolos Papapostolou

The Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York Announces Annual Parade Details to be held on Sunday, March 27, 2011.
Τhe Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York is proud to announce the details surrounding the annual and highly anticipated 2011 Greek Independence Day Parade. This year marks the 73rd year that the Greek Independence Day Parade will take place on New York’s famed Fifth Avenue, starting at 64th and continuing to 79th Streets on Sunday, March 27, 2011 beginning at 2:00 p.m.
This year’s parade, the largest Greek parade in the country, is dedicated to the theme “Visit Greece” and will be televised live on WWOR TV Channel 9 and anchored by Greek Americans Ernie Anastos, Nicole Petallides, and Nick Gregory.
Parade Grand Marshals for 2011 are:
The Congressional Hellenic Caucus, represented by the Caucus Chairs, Congress Members Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL);
Mr. Demetris Kastanas, founder and President of NGTV (National Greek Television), the only “Greek-speaking,” 24 hour Television Network, outside of Greek borders;
Dr. William Tenet, noted heart surgeon and brother of George Tenet.
The parade Co-Chairman and well-regarded businessmen, Mr. Philip Christopher, and Parade Chairman Emeritus, John Catsimatidis, are proud to welcome members of the Elite Presidential Guard of Greece, the iconic ceremonial unit whose unique traditional uniform includes a kilt-like fustanella. The Evzones, known for their proven valour, have become a popular image especially among visitors. They will lead the parade, which has been a New York City tradition since 1951.
Following the announcement, the President of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, Mr. Elias Tsekerides, noted, “We are thrilled to be joined this year by Aglaia Baltas and Koula Sofianou, Consul Generals of Greece and Cyprus, as well as Congressional, State and local officials and all our visiting dignitaries from Greece and Cyprus to celebrate the 190th Anniversary of Greek Independence, Greek culture and history, and the contributions of the Greeks and Greek Americans to society.”
The parade will include over 50 floats and bands from across the Tri-State Area. There will be a number of events that are open to the public including:
15th Annual Greek and American Flag Raising at 1:00 p.m., Bowling Greek Park on Friday, March 25;
Annual Greek Youth Dance Exhibition, hosted at the Cretan Association, 32-33 31st Street in Astoria, New York, on Saturday, March 26, at 12:30 p.m.
More than 100,000 participants and spectators are expected to attend the parade, commemorating the 190th anniversary of Greece’s independence after 400 years of Turkish Ottoman rule on March 25, 1821.
The parade will be televised live to millions of households nationwide for 2 hours by host station WWOR-TV My9, and will allow viewers in over 3 million households in the Metro NY area the opportunity to experience the history and culture of Greece.