The Greek culture is unique because of the food, dancing, music and rich religious traditions that are passed down through each generation. Growing up Greek, I have been proud to take part in my culture, as well as in the annual Greek festival that my church puts on each year.

The Greek festival is an event that involves all members of the church community. From the kids who perform the traditional Greek dances, to the old Yiayias work hard to prepare the traditional Greek food, many people, young or old, are involved in working and preparing for the Greek festival in order to share the Greek culture with anyone who attends.

As Greek festival season begins, sharing the Greek culture with all non- Greek attendants is just one of many things that is present at an annual Greek festival.

1. Greek food, and plenty of it.

There is so much food to eat that you can’t help but try one of everything.

2. Live Greek music that will be playing all day.

Listening to this music will make you feel like you are in Greece.

3. Traditional Greek dancing is also the main event that you should not miss.

Whether you performing or are watching the performances, you know that the dancing is one of the main attractions of the festival. Each dance is from a different part of Greece and is accompanied by live Greek music.

4. A Taverna show, featuring the Zeibekiko.

As a freestyle dance, the Zeibekiko is danced solo or with a partner.

5. Money will be thrown around during performances.

Throwing money is a traditional praise for the Greek dancers to celebrate their skill and performance.

6. Authentic costumes will be worn from all parts of Greece.

Each area of Greece has a different style of costume, but each is equally as beautiful. Pictured above: costumes from the island of Crete, costumes from various parts of Greece, and the traditional Fustanella, which has 400 pleats to represent the 400 years of slavery the Greeks endured.

7. You will also see Greek art and jewelry for sale.

You can buy art that is reminiscent of Greece or items such as the evil eye, which is said to ward off evil.

8. The Greek Orthodox Church, which is the reason why the Greek festival is being held.

The Greek festival is usually held on church grounds. In addition, tours of the Church are offered to

learn more about its history.

9. If you decided to take a tour of the Church, you may hear Byzantine chanting.

The traditional music of the church is typically offered as a concert for the public.

10. You will also see Byzantine iconography inside the Church.

The traditional iconography is displayed within the church to depict scenes in the Bible as well as major figures of the Church.

11. Religious items will also be available.

Crosses, incense, icons, and other religious items such as the komboskini, or “prayer rope” with is used in prayer.

12. You will see everyone being Greek for a day.

As a visitor of the Greek festival, you will enjoy the Greek culture as if you travelled to Greece.