Philadelphia, PA – Yesterday’s Greek Heritage Night at the Wells Fargo Center brought in the New Year and the Greek community with a roar. The first big event of 2020 ushered in more than 300 hundred strong from across the Delaware Valley. They cheered on their hometown 76ers and Hellenic dance troupes, which evoked a sense of pride.
Now in its fifth year, the annual event, formally sponsored by the Philly Greek Basketball League, was passed off like a baton, to the Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia. The Society preserved many key elements of the night, and added their own touch, making it a night of unity for the community. The evening started out much the same as years past with dance troupes performing and “Anthem buddies” hovering around the players. St. Luke of Broomall and Annunciation of Lancaster, two area Greek Orthodox churches, both entertained the capacity crowd at the Wells Fargo Center with their dance troupes. But that’s where the Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia changed it up. They reserved a wing of the stadium that had just recently been updated.
Once the game started, a party atmosphere launched in the newly revamped “Assembly Room-Revolutionary Row” section. Decorated in blue and white flags, Greek fans of all ages cheered on the Sixers while standing, sitting, and sprawling out in what looked like a combination sports bar and living room. Greeks were shoulder to shoulder with each other, watching, cheering, and mingling at the same time. This made for a spirited night of unity.
Throughout the evening, members of the Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia shuffled through the crowd introducing themselves and handing out pamphlets about upcoming events and inviting the community to get involved. They hosted a few raffles and announced the upcoming “Photo Tour 2020”, which will take place on March 14, 2020, at the University of the Arts on Broad Street. This year’s theme is “Greek Diners & Restaurants – The Start of the American Dream.”
The Society’s chairperson, Artemis Tami Tsingiropoulos, was thrilled with the turnout and success of the Greek Heritage Night. “The Greek American Heritage Society of Philadelphia is growing. This is just one of the many events we are putting on throughout the year. We invite you to join us as we continue to celebrate our culture”.