75th Annual Greek Independence Parade

On Sunday, April 2, Georgia Lilikas, Miss Greek Independence 2006, will lead off New York’s 75th annual Greek Independence Day Parade.
The celebration – the largest in the country – will commemorate the 185th anniversary of Greek Independence and will honor Greek ancestors who sacrificed to preserve the ideals of freedom, democracy, and independence from the Ottoman Empire’s rule over tyranny and oppression.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. at the Essex House Hotel (59th Street & Central Park South), then continues north along Fifth Avenue to 79th Street.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg will lead the Grand Marshal lineup, which also includes Andrew A. Athens, president, World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE); John G. Rangos, Sr., head of The John G. Rangos, Sr. Charitable Foundation, Paul Stathoulopoulos, president and CEO, Marathon National Bank of New York.
More than 80,000 participants and spectators are expected to attend the parade, which features more than 40 floats and marching bands, many in Greek ethnic costumes. Also participating will be the Evzones, the official Greek Presidential Guard, Greek and U.S. government officials and media personalities.