OPA! Galveston Island Greek Festival Oct. 12th-13th

Opa! The 40th Annual Galveston Island Greek Festival, October 12 and 13, returns to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church, 1824 Ball St.

A celebration of the Hellenic culture, this lively event transports guests to the Greek islands offering authentic food, wines, beer, pastries, and commemorative items. All food and pastries are prepared by parishioners; some of who are well-known chefs.

Traditional fare, prepared with the freshest ingredients, are featured in the centuries-old, traditional, recipes that have been passed down and shared through generations. The Greek plate consists of pastitsio, meatballs, dolmades, olives, salad, feta cheese, tiropita, spanakopita, and pita bread. Ala carte items include souvlaki and gyros, and a generous vegetarian plate is available. Pastry selections include baklava, kourambiedes, paximadia, koulourakia, and, a rare treat, Loukoumades, is prepared on site. All foods and pastries are available to go.

Beverages include the national beer of Greece, ice cold FIX, along with American favorites, and an assortment of Greek wines by the glass or bottle. All beverages compliment the outstanding cuisine.

Enjoy live Bouzouki by Dimitri Karageorgo, and traditional Greek Dancers who perform throughout both days.

Church tours are led by Father Stelios Sitaras. To commemorate the event, imported merchandise and food products from Greece are available in the Greek marketplace. An inside and outside event, the festival is rain or shine. All are invited to attend. Father Stelios Sitaras, our parish priest, will conduct educational tours of the church on Saturday 11am – 6pm and Sunday beginning at 12 noon. The public is invited to attend Divine Liturgy on Sunday, 9am. The Service is approximately one hour in length.

There is no admission to attend the festival, however, a donation is greatly appreciated as all event proceeds benefit the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church .

Food and drink tickets are sold in $2 increments. cash and credit cards are accepted.

Come for a visit and stay for a while – party with the Greeks Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm and Sunday, 12 noon – 5 pm. There’s no party like a Greek party. We Opa! Rain or Shine. Don’t miss it. www.galvestongreekfestival.com

Souvenirs and merchandise from Greece are hand-selected for the Galveston Greek Festival. Icons, jewelry, Greek Christmas ornaments, soaps, gift boxes, and much more make for unique gift-giving. Grocery items like olive oil, olives, pasta, and other imported canned goods will be available too. Since supplies are limited, don’t hesitate to purchase immediately!

As you know, Greeks have a passion for line dancing that goes back more than two millennia. That’s why we’re going to encourage you to dance too. It’s not only a great way to digest your meal and stay fit, but also an excellent opportunity to make new friends with the people whose hands you’re holding while repeating the ‘step, kick, step, kick’ of the Bouzouki Beat.

The Food

The experience begins at the festival entry where you’re greeted by the sweet aroma of homemade pastries and the excited sounds of new and old friends shopping for unique gifts. With wide smiles, happy hearts, and an empty stomach, you begin to notice the tantalizing smells of traditional Greek Street Food, including Souvlaki (shish kabob) and Gyro (beef and lamb served in pita) prepared over coals and served ala carte with fresh pita bread under the shade of the tent out back. A quick stop at the beverage booth offers a choice of Greek Wines, Greek beer, soft drinks, and water to finish off your sensory delight. A complete Greek Dinner – with Pastitsio (baked pasta with beef), Tiropites (cheese puff triangles), Spanakopita (spinach triangles), Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), Keftedes (meatballs), Greek Salad with Olives and Feta – is available for $24 a plate. Á la carte food items (Souvlaki or Gyro) and pastries (Loukomades and Baklava) range from $2 – $16. Tickets redeemed for food and drink are sold in $2 increments. There is no admission fee, however, a donation is greatly appreciated. The Greek Festival serves as our annual fundraiser to support our operating budget. Thank you for your consideration and generosity in advance!

After enjoying the dancing, and a great meal, visit the Loukoumades Booth outside where bakers prepare your dessert to order while you watch. The Greek version of Beignets, this sin-on-a-dish is very popular with kids of all ages. Served with either powdered sugar or honey – or both – Loukoumades is not to be missed. On your way out, don’t forget to visit the Pastry Booth back inside the Community Center for an array of sweets that will delight your taste buds for days after the event!

Baklava (phyllo dough with honey nut filling), Melomakarona (spiced honey cookies with walnuts), Kourambiedes (shortbread cookies), Kouroulakia (twisted butter cookies), Paximadia (spiced biscotti) and Karidopita (walnut cake) are available by the piece or in assorted boxes.

Trust us. No one ever leaves the Galveston Greek Festival hungry!