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Experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Greeks! This year marks the 37th anniversary of the award-winning, family friendly Santa Cruz Greek Festival held outdoors in front of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church between Cedar and Center Streets on Church Street in downtown Santa Cruz. A tradition started by founding members of the church, the local event grew from its humble beginnings as a ‘backyard’ church event to a beloved cultural three-day celebration embraced by the Santa Cruz community. The Santa Cruz Greek Festival has been awarded ‘Best Street Festival’ in Santa Cruz County for many years, and was also voted ‘Best Food’ this year. Authentic Greek food is at the heart of the celebration as the tantalizing aroma of grilled vegetables and roasting meats redolent with garlic, oregano, and rosemary fills the air. Greek specialties include moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, gyro, lamb shanks, and a wide variety of vegetarian selections. The Taverna (bar) serves Greek wines, traditional spirits, and beer. At the Kafenio (coffee shop), hot Greek coffee is prepared on the spot as well as a traditional Greek frappe, a chilled coffee drink shaken by hand. The pastry booths are filled with delectable handmade pastries and baked goods such as baklava, galaktobouriko, koulourakia, loukoumades, and other Greek delicacies. Live Greek music and folk dancing performances by troupes from all over the Bay Area are ongoing throughout the weekend. Lastly, be sure to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a one-week stay on the beautiful Greek Island of Naxos. Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Please visit www.LiveLikeAGreek.com for more details or call (831) 429.6500. Also, you can download a $1 OFF coupon from the website. For more information, please call Connie Mellis at (831) 566-9592 or email at conniemellis@comcast.net. All proceeds benefit Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church.
Experience the rich culture and hospitality of the Greeks! This year marks the 37th anniversary of the award-winning, family friendly Santa Cruz Greek Festival held outdoors in front of the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church between Cedar and Center Streets on Church Street in downtown Santa Cruz. A tradition started by founding members of the church, the local event grew from its humble beginnings as a ‘backyard’ church event to a beloved cultural three-day celebration embraced by the Santa Cruz community. The Santa Cruz Greek Festival has been awarded ‘Best Street Festival’ in Santa Cruz County for many years, and was also voted ‘Best Food’ this year.
Authentic Greek food is at the heart of the celebration as the tantalizing aroma of grilled vegetables and roasting meats redolent with garlic, oregano, and rosemary fills the air. Greek specialties include moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki, gyro, lamb shanks, and a wide variety of vegetarian selections.
The Taverna (bar) serves Greek wines, traditional spirits, and beer. At the Kafenio (coffee shop), hot Greek coffee is prepared on the spot as well as a traditional Greek frappe, a chilled coffee drink shaken by hand. The pastry booths are filled with delectable handmade pastries and baked goods such as baklava, galaktobouriko, koulourakia, loukoumades, and other Greek delicacies.
Live Greek music and folk dancing performances by troupes from all over the Bay Area are ongoing throughout the weekend. Lastly, be sure to buy a raffle ticket for a chance to win a one-week stay on the beautiful Greek Island of Naxos.
Admission is free and all ages are welcome. Please visit www.LiveLikeAGreek.com for more details or call (831) 429.6500. Also, you can download a $1 OFF coupon from the website.
For more information, please call Connie Mellis at (831) 566-9592 or email at conniemellis@comcast.net.
All proceeds benefit Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church.