Capitol Theatre in Melbourne hosts the world's first official World Greek Language Day event on 9 February 2026.
Melbourne steps up to host the world’s first official World Greek Language Day event, marking a historic moment for Greek culture and language worldwide. Capitol Theatre at RMIT University becomes ground zero for this landmark celebration kicking off at 7.45pm.
UNESCO’s 43rd General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan made the unanimous decision on 12 November 2025 to establish 9 February as World Greek Language Day, coinciding with the anniversary of Greek national poet Dionysios Solomos’ passing in 1857. Australia co-sponsored the resolution, reflecting strong ties with the nation’s vibrant Greek diaspora community.
World Greek Language Day – Melbourne
- What: Inaugural World Greek Language Day celebration with live music, lecture, awards ceremony
- Where: Capitol Theatre, RMIT University, 113 Swanston Street, Melbourne CBD
- When: Monday 9 February, 7.45pm
- Cost: Free admission
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Melbourne’s celebration honours Panagiotis Liveriadis, the first Education Advisor appointed by the Greek Government in Australia from 1977 to 1981, alongside generations of Greek teachers, educators and community organisations who’ve preserved and promoted the language across the country.
Live music performances anchor the evening’s program, complemented by an insightful lecture exploring the Greek language’s profound contributions to world civilisation. Distinguished philhellenes receive recognition through an awards ceremony celebrating their dedication to Hellenic culture and language preservation.
Local diaspora groups, academics and community stakeholders join forces for the event, creating a comprehensive celebration that bridges generations and cultural connections. As the first organised UNESCO-recognised celebration worldwide, Melbourne’s position at the forefront speaks volumes about the city’s significant Greek community and their commitment to cultural preservation.
Greek language and culture have shaped philosophical, scientific and artistic discourse for millennia, influencing everything from mathematics to medicine, politics to poetry. This inaugural World Greek Language Day acknowledges that enduring legacy while celebrating contemporary Greek communities maintaining linguistic traditions far from their ancestral homeland.
Completely funded and organised by Australia’s Greek diaspora without financial support from Greek or Australian governments, the event demonstrates grassroots commitment to cultural celebration and language preservation. Community-driven initiatives like this ensure linguistic heritage remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.
With Melbourne hosting the world’s first official celebration, the event sets a precedent for how communities globally might observe World Greek Language Day in years to come.
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