Thousands of people, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, turned up to celebrate the Greek Independence Day Parade on Sunday.

"Participation was tremendous," said Nicholas Pagonis, President of the Hellenic Community of Montreal, which organizes the parade. "The Prime Minister honoured us with his presence and many other dignitaries. We thank Montreal for being a part of us and we are a part of Montreal."

The parade, which has been a tradition for more than 40 years, started at 1 p.m. at the corner of Jean-Talon and Hutchison. It marks the start of the 1821 revolution which ended 400 years of Ottoman rule.

"For the Greek community, it's an important day because it's the 195th anniversary of their independence," said Liberal MNA Guy Ouellette, who acted as this year's Grand Marshal.

Attendees turned up in traditional Greek costumes and waved the flags of Greece, Canada and Quebec.