The 2025 Greek Independence Day Parade brings tradition, unity, and celebration to the heart of Philadelphia, with the Parkway awash in blue and white.
From early in the morning, the city’s Greek-American community comes together to honor the legacy of 1821 and the values that continue to unite generations. The day begins with the Official Great Doxology at St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, the service offers a moment of reverence, drawing clergy, dignitaries, and community members into a shared space of remembrance and gratitude.
As midday approaches, energy shifts to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, where preparations begin for the parade. Starting at 1:00 PM, participants gather between 22nd and 18th streets, assembling by church, school, society, and region. The Presidential Guard of Greece, the Evzones, arrives in full ceremonial uniform, bringing history to life with every step. Nearby, grandstands fill with families, supporters, and longtime attendees eager to witness the procession.
At around 2:00 PM, following the singing of the national anthems and the invocation, the parade begins its procession along the Parkway. The order is deliberate and meaningful: banners, dignitaries, the Evzones, and church icons lead the way, followed by Greek schools, parishes, student groups, cultural organizations, and regional societies. Each contingent offers a piece of the wider story—youth waving flags, elders in traditional dress, floats depicting historic and modern moments of Hellenism.
This year’s Grand Marshals, Drake and Maria Behrakis, take part in the festivities, recognized for their dedication to the Greek-American community and their continued support of cultural and educational initiatives. The Federation of Hellenic-American Societies of Philadelphia and Greater Delaware Valley, which organizes the parade, maintains the structure and spirit of the event while welcoming new participants each year.
From the beat of the Philadelphia Mummers to the march of student associations, the entire route becomes a celebration of pride, memory, and connection. Spectators cheer as familiar groups pass, while newcomers take in the richness of tradition, some for the first time. The Parkway becomes more than just a street—it becomes a stage for heritage, solidarity, and identity.
As the final float crosses 18th Street, the formal portion of the day concludes, but the celebration continues. Nearby, Uptown Beer Garden becomes the next gathering point, where conversations pick up, photos are shared, and the atmosphere shifts from ceremonial to festive. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect, reflect, and already begin looking forward to next year.