Fall is the season of festivals and Galveston Island’s wealth of cultural heritage is evident in the bounty of ethnic events offered. The 26th Annual Greek Festival, October 10th, 11th, & 12th, offers a most authentic experience.

The sights and sounds of Greece embrace guests as they enter the festival site at 19th & Ball Avenue, located deep in the heart of the beautiful historic district. Return to the Greek Isles on Galveston Island and take in the fragrant aroma of Greek food at it’s best.  Souvlakia (shish-kabob) are prepared fresh to order on open pits and Gyro (a meat mixture slowly cooked on a rotisserie) is gently sliced for the pita bread and trimmings that make the delicacy a treat. Dine on a dinner plate that consists of pastitsio (baked pasta and meat casserole), Greek salad with feta cheese and olives, dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), spanakopita (spinach turnover) and tiropita (cheese turnover). The portions are hearty, and there is plenty to choose from for vegetarians.

As in most countries, Greek wines are specialized and are served cool and crisp or room temperature, and are the ideal choice to accompany any of the foods served. Both red and white wine, beer and sodas are available, or try a Greek Island Iced Tea! An adult beverage, it’s smooth blend of Mavrodaphne wine and cranberry juice over cracked ice. Refreshing and heart healthy. Opa!!

Greek pastries are works of art meant to be savored. All pastries at the event are made by the ladies of the church and are delicious. Wise festival goers take an assortment to go for later enjoyment, as these home made delicacies are hard to come by. Bakalava, kourambiedes (powder sugar/butter cookies with anise flavoring), kouroulakia (delicious dunked in coffee) or karidopita (honey/nut spice cake) are the most authentic and best you will get without showing a passport.

The Olympia Dancers perform numerous times throughout each day of the Greek Festival. The shows feature some of the best talent and most beautiful choreography to be seen. Dances from different areas of Greece are demonstrated by folks who, most likely, do the same dances in the living rooms of their homes with their families. The dance routines are energetic and relate the zest that Greeks live their lives by, both overseas and in America. Don’t miss the sailor’s dance where ‘Yanni’ picks up a table with his teeth and dances around the floor. A real spectator sport! 

In addition, the outdoor plaka will feature fine arts, jewelry, crafts and imported food vendors. The covered event is open rain or shine.

Greek Americans celebrate a proud heritage and rejoice in sharing their culture at the Greek Festival. All are welcome, and everyone is encouraged to be Greek for the weekend! An annual event, proceeds from the Greek Festival benefit the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church of Galveston.  Admission: $3  .Free parking. For additional information call (409) 762-7591 or www.assumption.tx.goarch.org

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