Running out of puff? Not in this lifetime – Paniyiri makes triumphant return
A honey puff will never taste so good as the ones being sold in South Brisbane this weekend.
The sweet treat has become a staple of the city’s Paniyiri Greek Festival – one of Queensland’s longest-running and most beloved annual events.
After almost three years of forced closures – first by the global pandemic, then by the threat of flooding rains – Paniyiri is back this weekend.
And despite recent hardships, chairman of the Paniyiri Organising Committee, Chris Kazonis said this weekend’s Greek-filled extravaganza is shaping up to be bigger and better than ever.
He said the festival will not only see the return of the economic benefit to the wider community and the community groups and charities which rely on Paniyiri as their major fundraiser, but the connectivity and collective wellbeing that Paniyiri generates within the community, all of which has been missed in recent years.
“The power of Paniyiri is that it brings people of all ages and abilities together to dance, dine, and have a good time, which not only celebrates our culture, but recognises our need for connection,” Kazonis said.
“Paniyiri highlights diversity, encourages curiosity, and through sharing our stories with each other, it connects and unites the community.
“Whether you come for the saganaki or the souvlaki, the dolmades or loukoumades, to debate tasting notes of Greek wines, or join in the zorba or the sousta, we know everyone leaves Paniyiri with their heart as full as their stomach.”
The annual festival will see up to 50,000 people stomp grapes, smash plates, dance the zorba and devour an array of savoury and sweet greek treats over two-days of cultural celebration.
With over 20 stalls serving authentic foods from 11 different regions, festival goers will take a culinary journey through Greece, no passport needed!
From cultural experiences to interactive demonstrations, cooking lessons, competitions, wine tastings and more, the two-day jam-packed entertainment program has something for all age groups and interests.
Paniyiri Greek Festival is on this Saturday October 15, from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm and Sunday October 16 from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm. For more information or to buy tickets head to the Paniyiri website.
