Throw on some blue and white and head to Greektown for one of Detroit’s cultural family fun events! This year marks the 14th Greek Independence Day Parade in Detroit, which takes place on Sunday, April 19 in Greektown Detroit.
The Ottoman Empire oppressed the Greeks for 400 years – but their freedom wasn’t the only thing taken away. The Turks tried to strip them of their heritage and religion. Thousands were either killed or tortured during this dark age – that’s until the War of Independence. And after eight long years, the Greeks were finally free!
Now, every year, Greeks from all over metro Detroit parade together to celebrate Greek Independence. People of all ages will gather on Monroe Street in historic Greektown to see the procession of floats, local organizations, church groups and more. When the parade is over, hear live music and watch Greek dancing from ethnic marching bands.
If you want some pre-parade action, head downtown the Hellenic Museum of Michigan on Saturday, April 18 for youth poetry about Greek Independence, live Greek music and dancing.
The parade kicks off at 3 p.m. on Sunday on Monroe Street in Greektown. It’s free to attend and, if you stick around for lunch, there are plenty of places in Greektown – including Pegasus Taverna and Santorini Estiatorio – to try a taste of Greece.
See the Metro Parent listing for more on the Greek Independence Day Parade in Detroit.
