GREEKTOWN — Greek music, performances, costumes and a traditional market will fill Halsted Street later this month as Chicago’s annual Greek Parade returns for an in-person celebration.
Chicago Greek Quarter is hosting the Greektown Heritage Parade at 2:30 p.m. on May 22 along Halsted. Last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic, which is why this year’s edition will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the start of the Greek Revolution to gain independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821, according to a Press release.
Presented by the Federation of Hellenic-American Organizations, the parade has celebrated Greek heritage in Chicago since the 1960s.
Spectators can see traditional Greek clothing and listen to Greek music. The Greektown Agora – Greek for “marketplace” – will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at Elysian Field, at the corner of Halsted and Van Buren streets. Greek vendors will sell art, jewelry, crafts and gifts.
Among the dealers are art dealer Konstantina’s, Kantyli, NiasCollectionsjewelry seller The Greek Key and Loukoumaki.
Visitors can also meet the Milchian Hoplites, a group of Chicago and Milwaukee historians, researchers, and history buffs. The group shares and collects information about ancient Greek warfare. Also serving as historical re-enactors, the Milchian Hoplites will be available for photos and questions related to the history, language and achievements of ancient Greece, event organizers said.
Parade spectators can also enjoy a performance by dancers from the Orpheus Dance Troupe, who will perform traditional Greek folk dances at 5 p.m. at Elysian Field following the parade.
Jim Veikos of Mixology DJs will play Greek music before and after the event.
Greektown’s Shopper’s Reward program also runs all month as part of the bicentennial celebration. Customers who spend $200 or more at Greektown businesses and submit qualifying receipts via email can receive a $50 gift card rebate, while supplies last. A full list of details as well as a list of eligible Greektown businesses can be found. online.
Help Block Club get
500 additional subscribers!
Subscribe to Block Club now and you’ll receive a free 16×20 inch Chicago neighborhood print of your choice, helping us reach our goal of getting 500 more subscribers before 2024. Click here to subscribe Or click here to gift a subscription.
Listen to the Block Club Chicago podcast:
