FREE Op: Shameful display of historic care in the Greek Community of Toronto

It’s no wonder why Greeks in Toronto are turning towards nationalism, spreading nationalist symbols across the city.
Because of this shame, we will not be in support of or showing off any events displayed by the GCT (Greek Community of Toronto). A simple question, when is Greek independence day? Any Greek with half a brain would tell you that Independence Day is on March 25. During that day, Greece holds national parades with its armed forces. Across the world, Greek communities share that spirit by hosting their own parades worldwide. Sometimes not everyone hosts the parade on the 25, due to differences in time zones and availability of the people in said foreign countries. Taking a look at Canada, we see various events. This year in Montreal, the community parade will take place on March 23. Back in 2021, Vancouver’s Greek community took part in the 200-year anniversary by raising the Greek flag on March 25. Now take a look in Toronto, the GCT doesn’t host the community parade on March 25. Heck not even a couple days prior/after the 25th. Instead, the GCT hosts their 2025 Independence Day parade on April 6th! Why so far away? Catholic Christians would like to celebrate Christmas in December, Americans would like to celebrate the fourth of July on the said date, and GREEKS would like to celebrate independence day on March 25 or at least in the same damn month! Why such a delay? It’s just a shame how the lack of care or preparation, or whatever it is that the GCT is lacking in, somehow can’t get the community to celebrate one of Greece’s biggest national holidays on the proper date. The community tends to host the parades on a weekend. No problem. March 23rd is a Sunday! March 29th is a Saturday and the 30th is a Sunday! Yet somehow those days just don’t work for GCT. Why would any Greek in their right minds, like to celebrate independence day, 13 days later? Properly timing cultural events, like the Greek Independence Day parade, is crucial for preserving and honouring the traditions and history they represent. Celebrating on or near the actual date helps maintain a connection to the past and reinforces the cultural identity of the community. When events are held significantly later, it can lead to a sense of disconnection and diminish the collective spirit that such occasions are meant to inspire.
Not only does shame come from a lack of care in the timing of these events, but also in how they are run. It seems each year there is less and less passion. The GCT parades used to be worth attending, now it’s just a disgrace to its former self. Kolokotronis flags for March 25, which is fine. But Kolokotronis flags also for October 28th, WW2 remembrance day of the Greco-Italian war? This parade lacks history, care, and passion. It’s sad to see. The declining quality of the parade not only diminishes the community’s enthusiasm but also affects the younger generation’s understanding and appreciation of their heritage. When parades lack historical accuracy and fervor, they fail to engage and educate attendees about the significance of the occasion. This erosion of cultural events can lead to a gradual loss of cultural identity, weakening the bonds that unite the community. And the lack of historical accuracy is very predominant in recent years. People taking part in the parades, trying to attempt the Evzone march, are marching wrong and out of sync. Flags that are significant to one parade, are appearing in other parades, and so much more. It is evident that the declining quality of the GCT parades undermines their historical significance and cultural impact. And we at the HellenicSun are calling for a renewed effort to restore their authenticity and educational value.