Pasadena Greek Fest 2023, set to be a vibrant cultural event at the St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church grounds in Pasadena, will be held this Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 30 and Oct. 1.
The festival offers attendees an authentic taste of Greece right in Los Angeles. Its main draw, according to organizers, is the opportunity to savor classic Greek dishes such as lamb chops, gyro, and souvlaki, accompanied by Greek wines, spirits, and refreshing beverages.
Anthia Drulias-Lucas, a member of the St. Anthony Greek Fest Committee, said the dinner line will serve such traditional entrees such as Moussaka, eggplant and beef in a savory tomato sauce topped with béchamel sauce; Pasticho, another casserole entre with macaroni noodles, tomato sauce blend, cheese and béchamel topping; Spanakopita, a spinach and cheese blend layered in buttery phyllo dough; and Tyropitas, a Greek cheese blend also layered in buttery phyllo dough both baked to a beautiful golden brown.
“There will also be stuffed grape leaves (dolmathes) served, as well as baked Greek chicken, and of course roasted lamb,” Drulias-Lucas said. “In addition, there will be grilled lamb chops, chicken and pork shish kabob, calamari – and we cannot forget the ever-famous Greek Gyro sandwich that will be hand-carved right off the spiral rotisseries!”
The festival will also feature live music by the Olympians and captivating dance presentations to enhance the overall experience. Greek Folk dancers, with ages ranging from four years old to young adults, will also be performing.
“Our youth participate in the Greek Folk Dance Festival held every Presidents weekend usually in California or Arizona and include communities from our seven Greek Metropolis states consisting of California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, Hawaii and Alaska,” Drulias-Lucas added. “This folk dance event have occurred for almost 50 years. Our children have brought home many awards over the years and continue to compete at very high level.”
Families will have the opportunity to enjoy a designated fun zone with rides for children. Admission is $5 for adults, and children under 12 can attend for free.
The inspiration for the Pasadena Greek Fest dates back to the early 1960s when St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church started it, desiring to raise funds for a capital campaign to build a fellowship hall and a new church sanctuary.
Apart from being a fundraiser, the festival aims to promote Greek culture and fellowship within the community. St. Anthony’s Greek Fest will also include church tours to showcase church facilities.
Proceeds from the festival will go to St. Anthony Greek Orthodox Church’s cultural, educational, and community outreach programs.
Children attending the festival can look forward to the Kids Fun Zone, which will feature air jumpers, face painting, Spin Art, Giant Connect 4, and other games. A new addition to the Kids Zone this year is the Periptero, a replica of the kiosks found on corners in Greece where children can buy candy, soda, ice cream, cotton candy, and snow cones.
On Sunday evening, there will be a Glow Party organized by the Greek Orthodox Youth Association (GOYA).
For more information about the event, visit PasadenaGreekFest.com.
