Join us for the official start to the Celebration weekend with a flag raising ceremony at Philadelphia’s City Hall. The event will feature His Eminence, Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, the Presidential Guard of Greece, local religious leaders, Federal, State, and Local representatives, dignitaries from Greece, and other honorable guests. Following the flag raising, a special performance by a traditional Greek dance group will take place.

Anyone is welcome to watch the Flag Raising Ceremony free of charge! Bring your family and friends of all ages.

A church vesper service will be held at a local parish at 7pm; the location will be announced closer to the date.

Join us at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel for the Eleftheria Gala. The black-tie gala is the premier dinner event and fundraiser for our Greek Independence Day weekend. It begins with a one-hour cocktail reception and auction, followed by the introduction of the dais, welcome remarks, presentation of the Presidential Guard of Greece, presentation of the 2025 Parade Grand Marshal, and the presentation of the 2025 Eleftheria Medal.

The Eleftheria Gala will feature a formal dinner at 6 PM in the elegant Liberty Ballroom

During the Gala’s program & dinner, a special cocktail hour and small bites will be offered for the “Young Leaders” at 7 PM. Then in the Liberty Ballroom at 8:30pm, there will be a mini-concert featuring entertainment by the legendary Atlantis of Philadelphia, featuring Greek-American International Artist, KALOMIRA.

Buy Tickets Now

Since 1962, The Philadelphia Greek Independence Day Parade is an annual celebration that commemorates the heroic Greek revolution against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. It’s a fantastic opportunity for the Greek communities in cities all around the world to unite and revel in their rich history, culture, and traditions while sharing them with others. Come watch with pride as the Presidential Guard of Greece marches down the Benjamin Franklin Parkway!  Your support for the Greek Independence Day Parade significantly impacts the promotion of cultural diversity, understanding, and appreciation while fostering a sense of community among the Greeks in your area.

The celebration will commence with a Doxology at 10 AM at the St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral, located at 156 South 8th Street, Philadelphia. Attendees are encouraged to dress in business attire for this event.

Parade formation for marching groups and vehicle floats will begin at 1 PM on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The parade will step off at 2 PM, with grandstands available for viewing at the intersection of Benjamin Franklin Parkway and 18th Street. Food vendors will be stationed near the parade grandstands for attendees’ convenience.

Anyone is welcome to watch the parade free of charge! Bring your family and friends of all ages.

March in the Parade

Post-parade celebrations will be held at the Uptown Beer Garden, located at 1500 John F Kennedy Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19102. This event is organized by the FHAS Young Leaders and should be a great ending to an amazing day.

Buy Tickets Now