Yesterday, the 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston – hosted by the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England (FHASNE), supported by the City of Boston, and in cooperation with The Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston and The Consulate General of Greece in Boston – returned to Boston on Sunday, April 26, 2026.
Celebrating its pearl anniversary, this milestone year honored three decades of preserving and promoting Hellenic heritage in Boston. Reflecting both the historic legacy and continued relevance of Greece’s fight for freedom, this year’s official theme was “From 1821 to Today: Freedom, Dignity and the Human Spirit.” The parade welcomed nearly 70 Hellenic groups, as well as thousands of spectators along Boylston Street in commemoration of Greece’s independence from Ottoman Rule, which began on March 25, 1821.
As a centerpiece of this 30th anniversary, the elite Presidential Guard of Greece – known as the Evzones – traveled to Boston to participate in the parade, marking their first official appearance in the city in 25 years. Their return represents a deeply symbolic moment, honoring the enduring bond between Greece and the Greek-American community of New England. Known for their historic foustanella uniforms and precision ceremonial duties at Greece’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Athens, the Evzones are among the most recognizable and revered symbols of Greek national pride.
The parade commenced at the intersection of Boylston Street and Exeter Street in front of The Lenox Hotel with a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by parade dignitaries, including Grand Marshal & FHASNE President Eleni Vidalis; Grand Marshal & Consul General of Greece in Boston, Symeon Tegos; Honorary Grand Marshal & Director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center, David Paleologos; Honorary Grand Marshal, President/CEO of Ferro-Ceramic Grinding Inc. & Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, Costa Sideridis; and more.
Following the ribbon cutting, the parade procession began with Boston Police, the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department Honor Guard, representatives holding banners including the America 250th Anniversary (sponsored by Alpha Omega Council) and Military Guards presenting the United States and Greece flags.
The visiting Presidential Guard of Greece (Evzones) proceeded, marching in full ceremonial uniform. They were followed by the Kariatides presenting the Greek Flag, the Boston Evzones, the Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England float, and Board of Directors.
Next in the procession were a range of Greek cultural organizations, churches, student groups, and community organizations from throughout New England. Greek cultural organizations included Alpha Omega Council, Hellenic Boston Businesses Unite, Boston Lykeion Ellinidon, and more. Churches included Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral of New England, Saint Nectarios Greek Orthodox Church of Roslindale, Saint George Greek Orthodox Church of Lynn, Saint Athanasius Greek Orthodox Church of Arlington, Saint Catherine Greek Orthodox Church of Braintree, and more. Student universities and groups included Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology, National Hellenic Student Association of North America, Hippocratic Institute Medical Students Greece and Cyprus, and more.
All groups marched along Boylston Street until they reached the official parade review stand at the intersection of Boylston Street & Charles Streets, emceed by reporters & news anchors Arielle Mitropoulos, Nicholas Antonakas, and Mariah Janos. Following the parade, all parade participants and spectators walked to the Boston Common, where it transformed into “Plaka,” Athens’ historic central square. The afternoon was completed with a vibrant Greek cultural celebration featuring traditional cuisine from food trucks, dance performances representing regions across Greece, and a live performance by Greek singer Christina Maragozi.
New England is home to more than 200,000 Greek Americans and over 60 Greek Orthodox parishes, making the Boston parade one of the largest Greek Independence Day celebrations in the United States.
Photo credit: Stratos Koilos
