THE 30TH ANNUAL GREEK INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE OF BOSTON WILL RETURN TO BOYLSTON STREET ON APRIL 26, 2026
Posted by estiator at 9 March, at 10 : 52 AM Print
The March Celebrating Greece’s Independence will feature the Historic Return of Greece’s Presidential Guard (Evzones) for the First Time in 25 Years
BOSTON, MA (March 9, 2026) – The 30th Annual Greek Independence Day Parade of Boston will return to Back Bay on Sunday, April 26, 2026, welcoming honorable Hellenic groups and thousands of spectators along Boylston Street in commemoration of Greece’s independence from Ottoman Rule, which began on March 25, 1821.
Celebrating its pearl anniversary, this milestone year will honor 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 will be “From 1821 to Today: Freedom, Dignity and the Human Spirit.”
As a centerpiece of this 30th anniversary, the elite Presidential Guard of Greece – known as the Evzones – will travel 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 will once again be presented 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.
The parade will commence at 1PM 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 FHASNE President Eleni Vidalis, Grand and Honorary Grand Marshals, and elected officials. Thus far, Grand Marshals will include Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston; Ioannis Loverdos, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece; and Dionyssios Kodellas, President at Special Olympics Hellas and Former Ambassador of Greece. Thus far, Honorary Grand Marshals will include George Patoulis, President of the Athens Medical Association and Former Governor of Athens; David Paleologos, Director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center; Dr. Basil Darras, Associate Neurologist-in-Chief and Chief of the Division of Clinical Neurology at Boston Children’s Hospital; and Costa Sideridis, President & CEO of Ferro-Ceramic Grinding Inc. and Archon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America. Additional Grand Marshals and Honorary Grand Marshals will be announced in the coming weeks and will include distinguished leaders from government, public service, athletics, and the Greek-American community.
The parade procession will begin with Boston Police and Military Guards presenting the United States flag, alongside the Kariatides presenting the Greek Flag. The visiting Presidential Guard of Greece (Evzones) will serve as featured participants, marching in full ceremonial uniform. They will be followed by Greek cultural organizations, churches, student groups, and community organizations from throughout New England.
At Boylston and Charles Streets, parade participants will be welcomed by the official review stand, where announcers will recognize dignitaries and participants.
Following the parade, Boston Common will transform into “Plaka,” Athens’ historic central square, where attendees will experience a vibrant Greek cultural celebration featuring traditional cuisine, live music, and dance performances representing regions across Greece. The presence of the Evzones will further underscore the historic significance of this year’s pearl anniversary celebration.
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.
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About The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England (FHASNE):
The Federation of Hellenic American Societies of New England, founded in 1982, is the premier umbrella organization of over forty Hellenic-American associations, representing over thousands of individuals in the community. The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of New England celebrates Hellenic heritage by sponsoring and organizing programs and activities that promote and preserve the values and ideals of our Hellenic culture thereby enriching our community and nation. Its purpose and interest is the perpetuation of those values and ideals that are embodied within the Hellenic heritage – including the pursuit of knowledge, education, the arts, and civic responsibility. They are also the proud coordinator of several Hellenic-American community celebrations including the annual Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston, which attracts thousands of community members and brings together people from throughout New England. For more information visit https://hellenicfederationne.org/en/.
