All Greek to Me
If your knowledge of Greek culture starts with alpha and ends with Zorba, you need to visit the 48th Annual PANEGYRI Greek Festival.
Panegryi 2023
Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church
7000 Winton Road
Friday, June 23, 5 – 11 p.m
Saturday, June 24, 3 – 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 25, 1 – 8 p.m
www.htsnchurch.org/event/panegyri/home
Admission: $3 per person, Children 12 and under free. New this year, weekend pass $5. A portion of admission is donated to the Freestore Foodbank, The Good Shepherd Food Pantry and The Holy Transfiguration Community Garden.
Parking: FREE parking and shuttle bus service available at St. Xavier High School.
When the festival began in 1975, it was a way to share Greek culture and heritage with the larger community. Loosely translated, Panegyri means “festival for everyone.” At this year’s event you’ll find food, dancing, music, and history.
In their agora (open-air market), you’ll find a cultural exhibit centered around three pivotal figures of world history: Pericles, Alexander the Great, and Constantine the Great, and their contribution to our civilization.
Developed by the Holy Trinity – St. Nicholas Greek
Orthodox Church’s Greek language school, the exhibit also includes items of folklore such as traditional costumes and the contributions of contemporary Greek culture.
The marketplace also includes jewelry, fine linens, Byzantine icons and other religious items, and Kofinas Greek Olive Oil.
Traditional Greek dancing takes center stage, literally, throughout the weekend. But when the dancers aren’t performing, they will be teaching “Learn to Dance Greek” lessons. So if the bouzouki music moves you, you can try out Greek dance steps!
But perhaps the biggest draw to the Panegyri is the food. From delectable appetizers to full-course dinners, you’ll enjoy every bite prepared by volunteers from the best ingredients and following traditional recipes. Dinners include your choice of four entrees –chicken, moussaka, pastitsio, or tiropita/spanakopita – served with rice, Greek-style green beans, Greek salad and bread. You’ll also find gyros, Greek pizza, and even Skyline, which was founded by Greek immigrants. And don’t miss the saganaki – flaming cheese – for a real thrill!
Of course, no Greek meal is complete without dessert. Inside the Main Hall, you’ll find a variety of authentic Greek pastries including baklava (fillo dough, layered with walnuts, sugar, and spices, then drenched with honey syrup), Kataifi (finely shredded fillo wrapped around a filling of grounds nuts, then dipped in honey syrup, and Pasta Flora (a delicate shortbread crust, filled with either apricot or raspberry preserves).
If you’re interested in bringing the secrets of Greek food home, you can attend one of their cooking demonstrations offered throughout the weekend.