The Columbia Greek Festival: A Celebration of Culture, Food, and Community
Welcome to Columbia, where the air is filled with the delicious aromas of Greek cuisine and the sounds of joyful music! This weekend marks the stunning 37th annual Greek Festival, kicking off Thursday and running through Sunday, September 22nd. It’s that time of the year when our city comes alive with the rich traditions and flavors of Greece, and everyone is invited to join the fun!
A Feast for the Senses
If you love food (and who doesn’t?), this festival is a dream come true. The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral is buzzing with excitement as members of the congregation join forces with enthusiastic volunteers, whipping up an incredible array of authentic Greek dishes. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Greek fare or a curious first-timer, your tastebuds are in for a treat! Imagine savoring souvlaki, diving into a plate of pastitsio, or relishing delicious spanakopita. And let’s not forget about those sweet delights like baklava and karidopita to satisfy your sweet tooth!
This year, the festival menu boasts everything from keftedes (meatballs) to gyros, with crispy dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) and refreshing Greek salad rounding out the options. The variety offered is as colorful as it is appetizing. There’s something here for everyone—vegetarians can indulge in many delicious dishes that highlight fresh vegetables and herbs typical in Greek cuisine.
More Than Just Food
While food is a big draw, the Columbia Greek Festival is about so much more! You will find live Greek music serenading festival-goers, and the vibrant folk dancing showcases bring energy and joy to the event. It’s a wonderful opportunity for families to learn some steps and join in on the fun!
The festival isn’t just about engaging your stomach and your ears—there’s a rich cultural experience waiting for you too! You can take tours of the magnificent cathedral and learn all about the beautiful iconography and deep history of the Greek Orthodox faith, thanks to the knowledgeable church members who are eager to share their passion.
Family-Friendly Fun
The festival is open to all ages, making it a fantastic outing for families. With no admission charge, it’s a delightful way to spend the day soaking in history, culture, delicious flavors, and camaraderie with the community. Just picture it: sunshine and a pleasant breeze as you stroll around, explore arts and crafts vendors, and make memories with your loved ones. And speaking of weather, if you’re heading down this Sunday, it looks like it’ll be a hot one, with temps reaching around 92°F during the day, so don’t forget your sunblock and stay hydrated!
Wrap Up the Weekend Right
The Columbia Greek Festival will be open from 12 PM to 6 PM on Sunday, making it the perfect way to wrap up your weekend. Bring your friends and family to enjoy a beautiful community celebration that has become a cherished tradition here in Columbia.
As we like to say in Greece, “Kali orexi!”—”Good appetite!” We hope to see you there, sharing in this extraordinary festival of food, fun, and fantastic fellowship!
