Weekend’s Greek Festival Marks 66 Years of Hellenic Heritage and Community

The Pasadena Greek Festival will celebrate its 66th year this weekend, Sept. 20 to 22, offering visitors an authentic taste of Hellenic traditions at Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, at 778 S Rosemead Blvd.

The three-day event has grown from a small immigrant gathering in the 1960s to a major cultural celebration open to all Southern Californians.

“This is our 66th year… When Greeks started coming over from Greece,” said Vicki Kades, this year’s community communications coordinator for the festival.

Organizers expect thousands to attend the festival, which will feature homemade Greek cuisine, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, and activities for all ages.

“The biggest difference between us and the other festivals is that everything is homemade and fresh,” Kades said. “A lot of festivals started purchasing the food now from different companies like their pastas and their pastries. But ours is all still made by our women, like my mother-in-law and the women of our church.”

New additions for 2024 include a Zorba dance competition, a new band called the Greek Rebetiko Trio, and an expanded “Agora” market selling authentic Greek products.

The festival will run from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Friday, and noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Organizers have arranged improved parking with free shuttle service from Gate 3 of the San Diego racetrack to alleviate traffic concerns in the residential neighborhood.

The event will feature traditional Greek dishes including lamb, calamari, homemade loukoumades, and popular pork souvlaki, with vegan and vegetarian options also available.

A “Santorini Wine Bar” will offer wine tastings, while a sports bar will serve Greek-inspired cocktails featuring Ouzo, as well as beer and non-alcoholic options. A happy hour is scheduled for Saturday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors can participate in Greek dance lessons, watch cooking demonstrations, and browse vendors selling Greek art and jewelry. Children’s activities include painting and balloon artists.

The festival’s commitment to authenticity extends to its expanded “Agora” market, which will offer Greek products like pasta, olive oil, and herbs imported directly from Greece.

As the Pasadena Greek Festival returns to full scale following the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers and community members are eager to share their culture once again.

“We’ve been doing small festivals, so I think our whole community is super excited,” Kades said.

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.pasadenagreekfest.com/.