Organizers are promising two weekends of feta and fun when the 23rd annual Greek Fest returns to Greater Victoria’s Greek Community Centre.
The annual festival takes place over multiple days, starting Aug. 25-27 and wrapping up Sept. 1-4 from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily at 4648 Elk Lake Drive, next to Commonwealth Place in Saanich.
According to organizers, this year’s Greek Fest “promises to be a delightful celebration of Greek food and culture,” with live performances daily and options for both dine-in and takeout through online ordering.
“The festival offers a diverse selection of authentic Greek appetizers, mains, desserts, baked goods, and refreshing beverages,” reads a news release.
“Highlights include the traditional roasted lamb, souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades, and more. Additionally, the event is licensed, and they have partnered with Hoyne Brewery and Arterra Wines as beverage sponsors.”
Organizers say attendees will be able to brush up on their history as the Greek Heritage Museum will also be on site showcasing stories of prominent Greek figures, as well as authentic Greek artifacts, daily from 2 to 6 p.m.
They say Greek Fest, a family-friendly event, aims to “bring the community together in the spirit of family, friendship, and philoxenia — generosity towards strangers, just as ancient Greek festivals did in the past.”
Speaking with CHEK News, volunteer Peter Doukakis from Greece said the festival helps keep his heritage alive, especially after being away from home for so long.
“Well, you know, it’s so important to highlight my Greek culture. Both my parents are gone now and my community is all I have left,” Doukakis told CHEK News last year. “I think for a lot of us, it’s the same thing. We’re far from home, and we don’t get back home that often.”
Admission to the 2023 Greek Fest is free for both dine-in guests and those ordering takeout, and more information about the event is online here.
Ethan Morneau
