Greek Independence Celebrations in Philadelphia

In the year 1821, on March 25th, the Greek Revolutionary Forces made a significant declaration that Greece would finally be free from the oppressive rule of the Ottoman Empire. For over 400 years, the Greek people had suffered immensely under the brutal conquerors, enduring pain and agony. However, the gallant patriots of 1821 raised their flag with the cross and took inspiration from the classical Hellenic standards of Marathon, Thermopylae, and Salamis, proving to the world that courage was indeed a Greek invention. Their motto was “VICTORY or DEATH,” and they lived it to the fullest.

Greece’s significance as the mother country of freedom, knowledge, and Western culture, and democracy cannot be overstated. Every person in the Western world is her child, regardless of their national origin. The Greek War of Independence was a defining moment in history, as it restored freedom and eventual democracy to the place that gave birth to these concepts. The occasion was momentous and inspired many Americans to contribute their actions and voices to the Greek cause.

The Greek-Americans will never forget the names of those who so gallantly championed the cause of Greek freedom in the halls of Congress. Among them were President James Monroe, President John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster, Henry Clay, and Edward Everett, who played a significant role in supporting the Greek War of Independence. These individuals, along with countless others, recognized the importance of the Greek struggle for freedom and democracy and lent their voices to the cause.

Support the Greek Independence Day Parade

The Greek Independence Day Parade is an annual celebration that commemorates the Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Greek community in various cities to unite and revel in their rich history, culture, and traditions while sharing them with others.

Your support for the Greek Independence Day Parade significantly impacts the promotion of cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation while fostering a sense of community among the Greeks in your area.

Program of Events

FRIDAY, April 4, 2025

12:30 PM – Greek Flag Raising Ceremony
North Apron, Philadelphia City Hall

SATURDAY, April 5, 2025

5:00 PM – Eleftheria Gala
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel – Liberty Ballroom
201 N. 17th Street

SUNDAY, April 6, 2025

10:00 AM – The Official Great Doxology
St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral
156 South 8th Street

1:00 PM – Formation Time of the Greek Independence Day Parade
Benjamin Franklin Parkway

2:00 PM – Step-off Time of the Greek Independence Day Parade
The parade officially begins at 22nd Street, moving toward 18th Street

5:00 PM – Post-parade event
Uptown Beer Garden
1500 John F. Kennedy Blvd., Philadelphia

Parade Instructions

FORMATION

  1. Formation begins at 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway heading east on Ben Franklin Parkway.
  2. First groups will form at 22nd Street and Ben Franklin Parkway and all other groups will continue forming behind on the Parkway.
  3. Group/marchers will begin forming at 1:00 PM
  4. Parade step-off shall begin at 2:00 PM sharp. Parade will head EAST on Ben Franklin Parkway.
  5. Any group arriving late MUST form at the end of the line. The City of Philadelphia’s Parade Permit is for a limited time, and the parade must commence on time.

BUSES (If arriving by bus)

  1. Instruct bus driver to drop off at 22nd & Ben Franklin Parkway. (SEE MAP BELOW)
  2. Bus drivers must drive NORTH on 22nd Street. Once they get to intersection of 22nd & Parkway
    they will turn RIGHT onto the CENTER lanes of the Parkway and immediately drop off passengers.
  3. Once passengers are dropped off, buses will drive to the CENTER lanes of the Ben Franklin
    Parkway between 17th & 18th streets to park. This is the designated bus parking zone until the end of the post-parade reception.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

  • In case of inclement weather, a decision whether to march will be made by 9:00 A.M. on the day of
    the parade. You may call 609-741-7275 or go on FHAS social media to hear the decision.

PLEASE OBEY ALL PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICERS AND FEDERATION PARADE COORDINATORS

Parade Formation

All churches are grouped together. All societies and organizations are grouped together. Each year they move up one position within the group. Formation of the parade begins at 1:00 pm, and the parade shall commence at 2:00 pm. Any church or society that arrives late shall be placed at the parade’s end.

SECTION A – GENERAL

  1. Veterans of Foreign Wars, Eleftheria Post #6633 – FLOAT
  2. Icon of Annunciation (Annunciation of Elkins Park)
  3. Icon of Annunciation (Evangelismos of Theotokos)
  4. Banner of Agia Lavra / Palaion Patron Germanos (Peloponnesian Society)
  5. Federation Banner
  6. Dignitaries (Marching as one group)
  7. Hellenic Republic Presidential Guard (Evzones)

National Anthems / Invocation / Parade Start:

  1. American National Anthem – Elena Iliades
  2. Hellenic National Anthem – Yiannis Kaitidis
  3. His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey
  4. Grand Marshals – Drake and Maria Behrakis (Announcement for start of parade)

SECTION B – GREEK DAY SCHOOLS

  1. Odyssey Charter School of Wilmington, DE

SECTION C – CHURCHES

  1. Metropolis of New Jersey Banner
  2. St. Nicholas, Atlantic City, NJ
  3. St. Thomas, Cherry Hill, NJ – FLOAT
  4. Holy Trinity, Egg Harbor, NJ
  5. Evangelismos of Theotokos, Philadelphia, PA
  6. St. George, Media, PA – FLOAT
  7. Academy of Aristoteli School
  8. St. Anthony, Vineland, NJ
  9. St. Lukes, Broomall, PA – FLOAT
  10. Annunciation, Lancaster, PA
  11. Annunciation/Evangelismos, Elkins Park, PA – FLOAT
  12. St. Barbara, Toms River, NJ
  13. Holy Trinity, Wilmington, DE – FLOAT
  14. St. Nicholas, Bethlehem, PA
  15. St. George, Piscataway, NJ
  16. St. Demetrios, Union, NJ
  17. Evangelismos Tis Theotokou, Easton, PA
  18. St. George, Trenton, NJ
  19. St. Demetrios, Wildwood, NJ – FLOAT
  20. St. Anna, Flemington, NJ
  21. Holy Cross, Stroudsburg, PA
  22. Sts. Constantine and Helen, Reading, PA
  23. St. Matthew, Blandon, PA
  24. St. George Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA – FLOAT
  25. St. Sophia, Norristown (Valley Forge), PA
  26. St. Demetrios, Upper Darby, PA – FLOAT

SECTION D – MISC.

  1. Highway Patrol of the Philadelphia Police Department
  2. Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipes and Drums
  3. Philadelphia Fire Department
  4. Mummers – Woodland String Band (Will stop for performance)

SECTION E – ORGANIZATIONS / SOCIETIES

  1. Young Leaders Committee of the Federation
  2. Peloponnesian Society
  3. Pieria Society
  4. Ladies Pieria Society
  5. Cretans of Delaware Valley Knossos Chapter
  6. Society of Epirotes of Philadelphia, Omonia – FLOAT
  7. Brotherhood of Demati Society
  8. United Chios Society, Chapter 16 “O Korais” – FLOAT
  9. Corthion Andros Society of New Jersey
  10. Velvendinon Society
  11. Hellenic University Club
  12. Hellenic Medical Society
  13. Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia
  14. Pan Macedonian Society
    • “Pavlos Melas” Chapter
    • “Amalia” Chapter
    • “Youth of Alexander” Chapter
  15. National Hellenic Student Association
  16. Federation of Hellenic Student Societies of Philadelphia – FLOAT
  17. Temple Hellenic Student Society
  18. Villanova University Hellenic Society
  19. Drexel University Student Organization
  20. University of Pennsylvania Students Organization
  21. Saint Joseph’s University Hellenic Student Union
  22. Hellenic Student Association University of Delaware
  23. West Chester University Students Organization
  24. Hellenic Student Association of Rutgers University New Brunswick
  25. Penn State Hellenic Student Association
  26. Intercollegiate Hellenic Society Global
  27. Pan Icarian Brotherhood of America “Atheras” Chapter
  28. Hellenic Dancers of New Jersey
  29. Pontian Society “Akritai”
  30. Nafpaktian & Perihora Society – FLOAT
  31. Cyprus Brotherhood of Philadelphia
  32. Kalomira (Joining are Sons of Pericles / Maids of Athena Chapters) – FLOAT
  33. AHEPA Family – FLOAT
    • Daughters of Penelope, Upper Darby Chapter
    • AHEPA, Thermopylae Chapter #449
    • AHEPA, Camden Chapter #69
    • AHEPA, Hercules Spartan Chapter #26
    • AHEPA Chester–Delco Chapter

END OF PARADE

Post-Parade Dance Group Performances