July 4th, 2004: Independence Day was a cause of dual celebration in Astoria, after Greece beat Portugal in a stunning 1-0 final match for the much coveted Euro Cup. It was Greece's first time to claim the highest of Europe's sporting awards. Police were prepared for the crowds and arrived on 30th Avenue immediately following news of the victory. But the crowd grew, quickly, making Thursday's semi-final celebration look like child's play.

It began with long lines of cars honking, waving Greek flags out their windows, men and women shouting "Hellas!, Hellas!" Champagne bottles fountained amidst the many cheering fans on the Avenue. The crowd, which began outside Athens Cafe, multiplied. Soon 30th Avenue, in between 31st and 37th, was completely closed off to traffic, and the mass of celebrators moved onto the street, lighting fireworks, singing songs. This was no typical July 4th for the neighborhood, and it was obvious, even if you never heard of the Euro Cup, the Holy Grail of European Soccer.

The party eventually spread down the street as sundown neared, where a night of music commenced at Athens Square Park. Fireworks were everywhere from Steinway to 21st street, competing with the huge canopy of colors from Manhattan's Independence Day celebration. The major networks also showed their face - CBS, NBC, Fox and ABC - all featuring the giant Astorian party in their 11:00PM News. Some local news also highlighted another neighborhood, Newark, New Jersey - a home to a very large Portuguese community - where it was said the parties ended early.