Greek festivals celebrate Greek culture with traditional music, dance, food, and shopping. They are usually organized by local Greek Orthodox churches and often donate proceeds to charity. Festivals can last for one day or up to a week and offer guided tours, lectures, and performances. Traditional Greek food is a highlight, as well as live music and dance performances. Shopping areas and children’s activities are also available.
A Greek festival is a celebration of Greek culture usually organized by local congregations of the Greek Orthodox Church. These festivals offer traditional Greek music, dance and food, as well as cathedral tours and shopping. Many festivals are held in Greece; these are called by specific names such as Apokreo and Okhi Day. Heritage festivals are also celebrated in the United States and around the world.
Most Greek festivals are organized through the local Greek Orthodox Church and the proceeds are traditionally donated to charity. While some are free, most require a small admission fee. A Greek festival can last for just one day or up to a whole week. During the festival, most transactions are made with special festival tickets instead of cash.
The highlight for many guests is the traditional Greek food available, prepared by church members, local restaurants, or catering services. Menus typically include gyros, moussaka, souvlaki and baklava, as well as beverages such as bottled water, sodas, beer and even wine. Some festivals also offer a drive through service for those unable to attend the festival.
Traditional Greek folk music is typically performed live for much of the festival. This music features the bouzouki, a stringed instrument similar to the mandolin. Unless a specific group is performing, everyone is encouraged to dance. Many festivals offer free lessons of some traditional Greek dances, such as hasapiko, better known as “Zorba the Greek”, pentozali or kalamatianos.
Several performances are often scheduled during the Greek festival. Both adult and children’s dance troupes can perform in traditional costumes. Some festivals also have belly dance performances or dramatic plays, such as excerpts from ancient Greek dramas or enactments of ancient myths.
As Greek fiestas are usually organized by a Greek Orthodox congregation, they typically open the cathedral to visitors. Some festivals advertise guided tours every hour. Lectures, films on church history or doctrine, and choir performances may also be scheduled during the festival.
Nearly every Greek festival maintains a shopping area, typically known by the Greek word for market, agora. One booth may sell clothes, bags, shawls and jewellery, while another may offer Greek cookbooks and ingredients or paintings and photographs. Souvenir items may be available with the Greek festival logo, such as shirts, hats and mugs, or figurines of ancient Greek gods.
The biggest Greek festivals sometimes maintain a children’s area with bouncy houses, face painting and other activities. Occasionally Greek cooking classes, horse races or raffles may be scheduled. As parking is often inadequate, some festivals provide free shuttle service from distant parking lots.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
