44th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival
September 6-7
Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church welcome the San Diego community to join the celebration at the 44th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival on September 6 and 7. The festival runs from 10am to 10pm on Saturday and from 11am to 9pm on Sunday. Attendees can enjoy Hellenic cuisine, entertainment, and hospitality, as the church grounds are transformed with unique cultural elements of Greece. Festival attendees are transported into a quaint Greek village serenaded by the renowned Southern California Greek band, The Olympians. The parish’s youngest members – ages five through high school – perform folk dances in traditional costumes. Attendees can show off fancy footwork, too, and shout “Opa!” with guided dance instruction.
The marketplace simulates a traditional bazaar, featuring Greek imports, pottery, fine jewelry, artwork, Greek deli, and an array of other treasures. Delicious delicacies are available, such as Greek-style roasted lamb shanks and lemon chicken, souvlaki (shish-kabobs), pastitsio (baked layers of macaroni, seasoned meat, cheese, and béchamel sauce), loukaniko (sausage), dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), and gyros. Vegetarian fare includes tiropitas (cheese triangles in filo), spanakopita (spinach pie), feta fries, mezethes (appetizers), and Greek salad. The Kafenio (café) boasts mouth-watering desserts and coffee.
The Kids Fun Zone offers games to ensure children enjoy their time as much as the adults. Attendees can take a free photo with the San Diego Padres mascot, Swinging Friar, and the Pad Squad at a photo booth from 1pm to 4pm both days. There is an opportunity to win $20,000 cash and a second prize to be announced! Only 750 tickets will be sold for $100 each. Father Michael Sitaras, Pastor of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, hosts tours of the church and enlightens guests about the mosaics, iconography, and Byzantine architecture.
Admission is $3 per person. Children under 12, active military, police, and firefighters with ID receive free admission. Free parking is available at the adjacent Mira Costa College. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church is located at 3459 Manchester Avenue, Cardiff. For more information, visit www.cardiffgreekfest.com.
