By Gabriela Resto-Montero
DNAinfo Reporter/Producer
UPPER EAST SIDE — Opa!
Thousands of Greek residents celebrated their culture with a parade up Fifth Avenue commemorating the 190th anniversary of Greek Independence Sunday.
Members of the Presidential Guard of Greece who flew in from Athens kicked off the parade in traditional dress of the Evzones, or Greek army, made up of a white tunic, brown vest, red hat and pantaloons.
Gerry Pavlakos, a 19-month-old attending his first Greek Independence Day parade, wore a tiny Evzones costume made by his grandmother.
"We used to come here as single people and now we're coming as a family," said Joanne Pavlakos, Gerry's mother, of the parade.
Greeks celebrate independence from Turkish rule on March 25, and the New York City parade has taken place for the past 73 years.
Nikolas Georgiou, 68, marched in the parade dressed in traditional costume and carrying the flag of Arcadia, where the revolution began.
"It's carrying on the tradition from Greece," said Georgiou, who said that he has participated in the parade for 30 years.
Congressmembers Carolyn Maloney and Anthony Weiner also paraded in the march. Maloney co-chairs the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
More than just commemorating a military and political victory, the parade is an opportunity for Greek families to pass on their traditions to younger generations, said Matina Monioudis, 41, who showed up with her family and covered her Maltese Teacup dog, Melanie, in a tiny Greek flag.
"It's the Greek community coming together," Monioudis said. "They really should be proud because of all the things they've given to the world.
