A Greek-American Perspective on The Greek Festival

Every Sunday afternoon of my childhood was spent visiting my Yia’Yia (Grandmother) and Papou’ (Grandfather) and extended Greek family. After church, of course, my Papou’ would enter his house and head straight to the record player to turn on the Greek music full blast. My Yia’Yia had spent all morning cooking a huge lunch for everyone to share. We would all gather, talking over one another at decibel levels that would make your ears burn - to eat, dance and eat some more. After lunch, my Papou’ would lead the dances holding a white napkin, cigar in mouth and beer in hand. He would perform the Zembekiko or (sailors dance) over and over again with my uncles. Believe it or not…..those are happy memories for me and traditions that I hold dearly. So every year when The Greek Festival rolls around, I make an effort to take my children to the festival to enjoy the customs, traditions and food of our heritage.

The Greeks are hard-working people and someone in most families has usually owned a restaurant or two. So cooking and eating food is in our blood! All of the dishes are terrific at the festival but some of my favorites I have listed below….try them out!

I love going to the Greek festival not only for the food, but also, to watch and encourage my children to dance. I learned the Zembekiko (sailors dance) from my Papou’ at an early age and still enjoy dancing it with my family. I could go on and on with more memories but choose not to bore you. Get out this weekend and enjoy what the Greek festival has to offer….a gathering of warm people celebrating great food, customs and dance! Can you think of a better way to spend and afternoon or evening?

Dolmades pronounced (dol-ma-this) – stuffed grape leaves with seasoned rice.
Spanikopeta pronounced (span-a-koh-pee-ta) a blend of spinach, cheeses and herbs mixed together and baked in buttered filo dough.
Tiropitas pronounced (tee-roh-pee-ta) a blend of cheeses baked in buttered filo dough.
Loukoumades pronounced (louh-ko-mah-this) fluffy and light pastry puffs served warm with honey syrup and cinnamon.
Galaktoboureko pronounced (gha-lak-toh-boo-ree-ko) flavored custard baked in filo dough.