1. Be prepared to dance! Join in the easy, traditional Greek dancing lessons and be inspired when you see how the experts do it. It’s a great way to burn up all those honey puff calories and there’s no need to be shy when hundreds of others join you on the dance floor.
2. Don’t pack a picnic! Half the fun of Paniyiri is trying all of the Greek food delicacies, such as spanakopita, chargrilled octopus, crisp haloumi cheese and Greek salad.
3. Yassou! Say this whenever, wherever you can – it means hello or goodbye and Paniyiri is the perfect place to learn a word or two of Greek. Or practise this: Thelo mia mpira = I want a beer.
4. If you want to do more than eat, drink and dance like a true Greek, take part in the tours of the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church on Edmonstone Street.
5. Do some training to build your endurance for the honey puff and olive eating competition. Eat honey puffs or olives each day until you can eat no more!
6. At this time of year, days are usually warm and clear with cool nights. If staying for the fireworks and late night fun, take a jacket.
7. Paniyiri takes place on the grass of Musgrave Park so leave the stiletto shoes at home.
8. Take public transport. It’s a short walk from either the South Brisbane or South Bank train stations. Or use the Translink journey planner to find the best way there. Parking isn’t easy nearby and besides, you might want to sample some ouzo.
9. Take the kids, take your yiayia (grandmother) – everyone is welcome at Paniyiri.
10. Give thanks to multiculturalism. Brisbane’s strong Greek community means our city is a richer, more wonderful place and we all get to enjoy the fun of Paniyiri.
Oompa!
