2500th Anniversary Tribute: Adelaide Commemorates Battle of Thermopylae with Spectacular Portrait Unveiling

By Dimitri Katsambis

 

“The legacy of Leonidas and the 300 Spartans comes alive in Adelaide!” 

In a blend of high culture and historical reverence, the Pan-Laconian Family Centre in Adelaide hosted a remarkable event on Saturday evening, 17th February, commemorating the legendary King Leonidas of Sparta. The occasion marked the unveiling of a captivating portrait, drawing a full house of enthusiastic patrons to witness a moment quite unlike any other.

Τhe unveiling held special significance as it coincided with the commemoration of the 2500th anniversary of the Battle of Thermopylae, a pivotal event in ancient history. Jointly organised by the Pan-Laconian Society and the Karitsa Community of South Australia, the event showcased the culmination of months of anticipation and preparation within the local Laconian community.

The portrait, a masterpiece specially commissioned for the occasion, was crafted by local Adelaide artist Antonis Malavazos, himself of Laconian and Karitsa ancestry. Generously funded by Mr. Dimitris Tsagouris, the painting now stands as the centrepiece at the Pan-Laconian Family Centre, symbolising the enduring legacy of King Leonidas.

Karitsa, a small mountain village nestled on the foothills of Mount Parnon, holds a special place in the hearts of many Adelaide residents with roots tracing back to Karitsa. Since the arrival of the first villager in 1953, this community has steadily grown, now even outnumbering the current permanent population in the ancestral village itself. The Pan-Laconian Society, established in 1966, serves as the umbrella organisation representing all Laconians in South Australia, while the Karitsa Community, formed in 1986, aims to foster unity and maintain their connections with the small ancestral village.

 
The evening saw a gathering of esteemed dignitaries, including Member of Parliament Mr. Tom Koutantonis, Consul General of Greece Mr. George Psiachas, local councillors, and mayoral representatives. Delegations from sister Laconian clubs across Australia, including Melbourne and Brisbane, further enriched the event.

Dr. David Rafferty, an academic from the University of Adelaide, delivered a compelling discourse on the historical significance of the Battle of Thermopylae, emphasising its enduring impact on Greek unity and identity.

Dina Houssos, president of the Pan-Laconian Society, expressed pride in commemorating the Battle of Thermopylae and highlighted the importance of the joint event in celebrating Laconian heritage in South Australia. She extended gratitude to all involved, particularly Mr. Tsagouris for his generosity.

Michael Malavazos, President of the Karitsa Community, reiterated the sentiment, stating, "It has long been a goal of both the Karitsa Community and the Pan-Laconians to organise a joint event. The unveiling of the King Leonidas portrait presented a unique and fitting occasion to realise this ambition, allowing both groups to come together and honour their heritage in a collective manner."

Artist Antonis Malavazos, honoured to undertake the task of portraying King Leonidas, described the painting as a timeless tribute to the fearless warrior. Using acrylic on canvas with gold accents, the portrait captures King Leonidas' strength and pride, symbolising his indomitable spirit.

The ceremony of the unveiling was truly spectacular. The painting remained hidden behind vibrant red velvet curtains positioned at the end of a magnificent red carpet. As speeches filled the air and excitement mounted, the curtains were gracefully drawn apart by the two presidents, unveiling the breathtaking artwork framed in gold. This moment was met with a crescendo of gasps of amazement, cheers of delight, and prolonged rounds of applause, echoing the overwhelming pride and admiration felt by all present.

As the evening drew to a close, the joint organizing committee drew breath to reflect on a job well done, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all involved. The event stood as a testament to the enduring legacy of King Leonidas and the rich cultural heritage of the Laconian community in South Australia.

In commemorating King Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae, Adelaide not only celebrated a cherished historical event but also embraced the timeless values of courage, sacrifice, and unity. These are principles for living that continue to inspire Laconian communities, not least our own, to this very day.