All things Greek are in store at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church annual Greek Folk Festival in Baltimore.
“Homemade food, dancing in the streets, and a great time to be had by all again await everyone who wishes to be a part of the celebration of all things Greek,” said Chrysovalantis Kefalas, Esq., public affairs director for the festival. “This is as close to an authentic in Greece Greek festival as you will find anywhere, anytime in Maryland.”
Since the mid-?70s, the church has organized the festival as a way to celebrate the Greek-American life. St. Nicholas is located at 520 Ponca St., just sought of Eastern Avenue.
“For three decades, the festival has been the stage used to demonstrate events representing the Greek way of life and to allow parishioners to share their culture and artistic heritage with Maryland,” festival co-chair Christine Zervos said.
More than 12,000 people are expected at this year?s festival, which focuses largely on authentic foods such as spanakopita, baklava, loukoumathes and more. In fact, food is so important in this festival that the organizers start preparing almost a week in advance.
“The most important thing to a Greek, next to his faith, is to share our food,” Kefelas said. “It?s our way of sharing our experiences, our joys and our culture with everyone.
“Food is a part of the Greek life,” he said. “Being Greek and being orthodox means you?re involved with food constantly. We center every event around food or cooking.”
Another large part of the Greek festival centers around music and dancing, which play an integral role in Hellenic tradition and culture. The festival also offers a unique shopping experience, with fine jewelry, religious texts, Mediterranean herb and spice plants, Greek cooking books and more for sale.
Visitors can also go on self-guided tours of the Greek Orthodox Church sanctuary, where members will be on hand to discuss the church, icons and faith.
“We invite everyone to bring their family, their appetites and their dancing shoes for three days of music, fine food and Greek festivities,” Kefelas said.
