A wave of reactions among organisations representing people of North Macedonian origin has followed the decision to ban the Vergina Sun flag from the Moomba Festival parade.
The issue, first highlighted on the front page of Neos Kosmos, was also covered by the ABC in a detailed report. It noted that the City of Melbourne’s decision to prohibit cultural or regional flags at the Moomba Festival parade — to be held on Monday 9 March in the city centre — has triggered strong objections.
The decision also affects groups of North Macedonian origin who had planned to march carrying the flag bearing the Vergina Sun.
The Vergina Sun, also known as the Star of Vergina, is an ancient Greek symbol depicted on various archaeological finds, including vases and coins.
It became widely known through the golden larnax discovered in 1977 in a royal tomb attributed to the Macedonian royal dynasty of Philip II and Alexander the Great.
In Greece, the Vergina Sun is used as a symbol of Macedonia and in several administrative divisions. North Macedonia used the symbol on its national flag from 1992 to 1995, provoking strong reactions from Greece and Cyprus. Following protests, the symbol was removed under the Prespa Agreement and the North Macedonian flag was modified.
However, abroad, people originating from the neighbouring country continue to use it and threaten legal action. It is not the first time attempts have been made to present the Vergina Sun as part of their cultural heritage.
An extract of the letter of protest with the threat of legal action.
A Neos Kosmos report from 2018 noted that Australian authorities had prevented the use of the Vergina Sun as a trademark by organisations linked to the former FYROM, stating that the symbol is a national emblem of Greece.
Under the Paris Convention, Australia must prohibit the registration of trademarks containing such national symbols unless approval is granted by the relevant authority — in this case, the Greek Embassy in Canberra.
The issue resurfaced after Saturday’s Neos Kosmos report that Moomba organisers would not permit the symbol in the parade. The news prompted strong reactions from organisations of the North Macedonian community, some of which are considering possible legal action.
The City of Melbourne reportedly informed the Federation of Macedonian Cultural and Artistic Associations (FOKMUD) that parade participants may carry only official national flags or organisational banners. “Cultural or regional” flags will not be allowed due to the “high sensitivity” surrounding such symbols.
Greece considers the Vergina Sun an integral part of its cultural heritage and has registered it as a protected national symbol.
FOKMUD president George Lambeski argued the use of the flag in the parade was not political.
“The Kutlesh Star — as we call it — is the flag of the people. It symbolises the entire region of Macedonia. It is our right to choose the symbol that expresses our identity,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chris Angelkov, president of the so-called Council of Macedonian Communities of Australia, described the decision as “unusual and disappointing”, noting that the flag had appeared in the parade previously without issue. The organisation is now examining legal options, claiming the ban may breach Article 19 of Victoria’s Charter of Human Rights.
The City of Melbourne said the policy applies equally to all participants.
“We look forward to celebrating Melbourne’s creativity and diversity at Moomba. Our approach is consistent for everyone: only national and organisational flags are permitted,” a council spokesperson said.
Reaction from the Greek community
The Pan-Macedonian Association of Victoria welcomed the organisers’ decision.
In a statement, it thanked the Moomba Festival for its “sensitivity and responsible stance”, noting that the sixteen-ray Vergina Sun is an ancient Greek symbol discovered in 1977 in the royal tombs at Aigai by archaeologist Manolis Andronikos.
“The symbol is internationally recognised as an emblem of the ancient Greek kingdom of Macedonia and is directly linked to Philip II and the royal dynasty of ancient Macedonia,” the statement said, noting that it is today a protected national symbol of Greece.
The association stressed that cultural diversity should be celebrated “in a way that respects history and the accuracy of facts” and reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Greek cultural heritage while encouraging mutual respect among Australia’s communities.
Parade to proceed
Despite the dispute, the federation representing people of North Macedonian origin said it will still participate in Monday’s parade with around 100 dancers and performers from various groups.
The Moomba Festival, held since 1955, is Melbourne’s largest free community festival, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each Labour Day long weekend.
The Greek community will also take part in the parade, with the Manasis Greek Dance and Culture School representing Hellenism in Melbourne at one of the city’s most popular cultural events.