Laconian Migration Around the World

On Sunday, November 23, 2025, we spent a pleasant afternoon at Zarakas Hall in Enfield. We discovered the journeys, ideas and legacy of those who left Laconia.

We heard a speech by Thomas Kokkoris (from the Zarakas association) who described the travels of the Laconians from the 17th century to the 20th century to Corsica, the Propontis, and the USA, Romania, and South Africa. He informed us that most of the immigrants were literate and male.

We also heard from Christos Apostolakos (from the Asopos association) about the experiences that the Laconians had upon their arrival in Australia, at the Bonegilla immigration centre, in Victoria. He spoke about the Australian government's advertisements that were trying to attract immigration by paying 20 pounds per couple. Daily life in the centre was difficult, the men worked far away and the women and children were in schools learning English, the conditions in the homes were simple with few things, but there was a hospital, a doctor, and a sports field.

Maria Gleka, the president of our association Orea Eleni, read a poem about immigration by Ioannis Karagiannis from Zarakas, Laconia, who now lives in Canada.

Afterwards, sweets were offered with tea and coffee, and everyone present was able to browse the exhibition, which included traditional Laconian costumes, wedding dresses, books and photographs.

This article is based on the original that appeared on the Greek Herald: https://greekherald.com.au/community/across-seas-and-centuries-laconian-federation-of-nsw-event-on-emigration-captivates