Greektown Chicago will once again welcome the annual Greek Independence Parade hosted by the Federation of Hellenic American Organizations of Illinois (ENOSIS) on Sunday, April 19 at 2 p.m., celebrating Chicago’s Greek American community and the rich Greek culture and history, as well as the Hellenic ideals of freedom and democracy. For more information, visit GreektownChicago.org.
Presented by ENOSIS, the Greek Independence Parade takes place in Chicago’s historic Greektown neighborhood, which has been located along South Halsted Street for more than 60 years. The parade is generously supported by sponsor Greektown Special Service Area #16.
As part of the April 19 celebration, the Greektown Agora (Greek for “marketplace”) will provide a vibrant selection of vendors selling Greek art, jewelry and gifts from 12-6 p.m. at Elysian Field, located at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the Evzones—the Greek Presidential Guard—will march in the Greek Independence Parade dressed in traditional soldiers’ garments inspired by 19th century Greek independence fighters. The elite group of Greek soldiers stand guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, Athens, Greece, and the Presidential Mansion, in addition to performing ceremonial duties including raising and lowering the Greek flag at the Acropolis.
Since its founding in 1964, the Greek Independence Parade has been established as one of the biggest annual events in the Chicago Greek Community. During this parade celebration, visitors can see colorful traditional costumes, experience traditional Greek music and dance troupe performances, and watch as the community officially celebrates Greek Independence.
ENOSIS is also proud to host the festive Greek Flag Raising Ceremony to commemorate the start of the Greek War for Independence on Wednesday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Richard J. Daley Center in downtown Chicago. The event is free to attend and will include official remarks, music and dancing.
Additional details and updates will be posted online at GreektownChicago.org and on Greektown Chicago’s social channels on Facebook, Instagram and X.
About Greektown Chicago
Greektown is a dining, nightlife and cultural district located in Chicago’s vibrant West Loop area. A popular destination for tourists and residents alike, Greektown offers the best sampling of Greek heritage outside of Athens—from authentic restaurants, cafes and shops to the National Hellenic Museum and annual Taste of Greektown festival. Greektown Special Service Area #16 is the business improvement district for the neighborhood, administered by sole service provider the West Central Association and guided by a volunteer commission of local business owners, property owners and residents. For more information, visit GreektownChicago.org.