BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — Hundreds of people, many dressed in blue, marched on Boylston Street on Sunday afternoon in the 29th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade.
Roughly 60 groups were represented in this year's parade, including singers and dancers. Betsy Tsichlis was one of the organizers and said it was a chance to celebrate Greece’s independence in 1821.
“There are no words to describe how we feel seeing all these Greek Americans in the center of Boston celebrating their heritage. Absolutely no words,” said Tsichlis.
Athens Mayor Haris Doukas flew in to be at the parade, highlighting the similarities between the two cities.
“There are people here that are fighting for their values for democracy. I know that Boston has a long-lasting history like Athens, and we can have very strong cooperation [in] activities together,” said Doukas.
Lynn’s Georgia Katsoulomitis was also in attendance. Besides Greece’s rich history, she said it is beautiful and the food is unbeatable.
“This is always such a great event each year for Boston, which is also known as the Athens of America,” said Katsoulumitis. “I have to say I love my roast lamb and I love spanakopita and my mom’s pastitsio. My mother Eleni makes the best pastitsio ever.”
Elaine Rigas said she is proud of her Hellenic heritage.
“We stand on the shoulders of great people of major accomplishments, [like] math, science, health, literature, the alphabet, everything, history, democracy,” said Rigas.
WBZ NewsRadio’s Suzanne Sausville (@WBZSausville) reports.