Some of the same hands that have been clearing fire debris in Altadena and Pasadena are now rolling grape leaves and kneading dough for thousands of honey-soaked loukoumades, as more than 200 unpaid volunteers—spanning four generations—transform an East Pasadena church parking lot into what may be Southern California’s most authentic Greek village.
This is the 67th year of the Pasadena Greek Festival, but never has the contrast been starker: while Greek-owned businesses struggle with their own hardships, they’re still donating lamb and olive oil; while volunteers juggle disaster response shifts, they’re teaching teenagers to fold phyllo dough exactly as their grandmothers taught them in Athens decades ago.
In an era when most community festivals have gone corporate, Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church runs its entire three-day operation on volunteer labor—save for one paid social media coordinator—drawing workers from Long Beach to Covina who understand that some traditions matter more during crisis, not less.
“We have young people, single moms to little ladies, men jump in, and we all help together to put a very big menu together,” said Jimmy Christos, longtime restaurateur and sponsor. “It’s coming together and having a great sense of community all banding together, and it’s a wonderful thing,” said Jimmy Christos, longtime restaurateur and sponsor, on the multi-generational effort.
Preparation starts months ahead and relies on more than 200 volunteers. Only one marketing/social media role is paid; everyone else donates time, often alongside disaster response in Altadena. Greek-owned businesses contribute ingredients—even when facing their own hardships—while volunteers arrive from across the San Gabriel Valley, from Long Beach to Covina.
The festival is distinguished by its handmade, strictly traditional Greek dishes—from souvlakia and gyros to loukoumades and baklava. “The pastries, the melomakarona, the sweets are just incredible and very authentic… let’s say what we call yayas little ladies that do the pastries that are just so authentic, like what you grew up with when you were a little kid,” Christos said.
Leadership is passing to younger generations who have introduced mastiha cocktails, expanded kids’ programming and strengthened social media. “We have an incredible organization that have a lot of younger people joining in and taking over running the festival… very, very happy to see the youth coming in another generation that is really actually willing to partake and participate and also to really spearhead and be in the leadership position,” Christos said.
The open-door gathering offers folk music, dancing, kids’ cultural activities, cooking demos, and a lively vendor marketplace. “My customers come back every year to see me—I always look forward to come back to this festival,” said Ani Kesisoglu, vendor. “What really surprised me is just how much heart and teamwork go into it… seeing 200 people come together with so much energy and joy is something else,” said Rachel Friend, vendor.
The 67th Annual Pasadena Greek Festival opens today at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 S. Rosemead Blvd., in Pasadena. The festival runs September 19 to 21: Friday 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 10 p.m. Admission is $5, free for children under 12. Free parking and shuttle service are available from Santa Anita Race Track. This entirely volunteer-produced event draws more than 10,000 visitors each year while raising vital funds for church operations and local programs.
For more visit: https://www.pasadenagreekfest.
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