Kay Forrest – The Corsair
The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church at 1720 W Garden St. will hold its 50th annual Greek Festival Oct. 16-18. Admission is free. In addition to authentic Greek food and dancing, church tours will be offered and souvenirs will be sold.
Though locals attend the festival for many reasons, one of the biggest attractions is the large variety of Greek food sold each year. Church members spend weeks before the festival cooking huge quantities of food in preparation for the large crowds that always show up. Popular dishes include gyros (pita bread and lamb sandwiches), dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), and baklava (a Greek pastry made with filo dough).
Annamaria Gallaher, a lifelong member of The Annunciation Church, helps out with the food every year. This year, she said over 7,000 dolmathes have been made in preparation for the festival.
“We’re getting ready to take care of the folks of Pensacola,” she said.
Guests are welcome to help in the food preparation. According to Gallaher, members of the church are always happy to teach recipes to anyone willing to learn.
“If you have a desire to learn, our arms are always open,” she said. “We welcome all to come in and learn the culture and learn the food.”
While authentic Greek cuisine is a huge crowd pleaser at the festival, many people come out to hear the live Greek music played by the Kostas Kastanis band and to watch the youth of the parish perform Greek folk dances in traditional costumes.
PJC alum and longtime Greek dancer, George Pagonis, 20, says most of the festival shuts down to watch the dance sets. “That’s why most people show up,” he said.
Two different groups take turns performing traditional dances throughout the day. The elementary school group is called Hara, which means Joy, while the high school group is named Glenzethes, meaning Merry Makers.
Festival-goers are heartily encouraged to utilize the dance floor between performances. According to Pagonis, the dancers are always more than happy to teach dances to eager audience members.
“I definitely enjoy it,” said Pagonis. “It’s fun to spread the Greek culture and give people a taste of what it is.”
Gallaher recommends the festival to any young person looking for a fun and inexpensive way to spend a weekend.
“It’s not something that the younger culture usually thinks would be enticing or exciting,” Gallaher explained. “But, once you go there, you’ll be going until you’re old and grey.”
She says this year should be especially entertaining in honor of the festival’s 50th anniversary. In commemoration of it, posters with artwork by Greek artist Euripedes Kastaris will be sold in the souvenir tent.
While most of the proceeds from the festival go towards supporting the church, a donation is made every year to a different charity. This year a donation will go to the Ronald McDonald House.
“There’s a lot of hard work and energy put into [this festival]. It’s such an exciting time for the church, because we truly love when the community comes out and partakes of our heritage,” Gallaher said.
Menus and a schedule of dance performances may be found at www.pensacolagreekfestival.com.
Festival Dates:
Friday Oct. 16 – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Saturday Oct. 17 – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Sunday Oct. 18 – Noon to 6:00 PM