Come and enjoy authentic Greek food, pastries, spirits, live Bouzouki music, traditional dancing and more!
We are proud to announce the 33rd annual award-winning Greek Festival in Downtown Santa Cruz. The Santa Cruz Greek Festival is the longest running festival in Santa Cruz County, growing from a small celebration in the church courtyard to a huge block party. Its popularity is due in large part to the delicious and authentic Greek food, made on the premises of the Prophet Elias Greek Church.
It’s hard to imagine that such a small and devoted community can create such a variety of Greek foods such as our usual crowd pleasers like Moussaka (moo-SA-ka) roasted lamb shank, Pastitsio (pah-STEET-sio) baked pasta and meat with béchamel sauce, Dolmades (dol-MAH-thez) grape leaves stuffed with long-grain rice, toasted pine nuts, fresh herbs and seasonings, and many other savory dishes including a wide variety of vegetarian selections. The ingredients are sourced locally, and organic is emphasized when available. The air will be filled with lively Greek Bouzouki music and the tantalizing aromas of delicious Greek specialties like barbecued Souvlaki (soo-vla-kee) and Gyro (yee-ro).
The dessert selection has grown these past few years from a handful of offerings, to a wide variety of baked goods, including Chocolate Baklava Cheesecake.
The Taverna (tavern) will be serving beer, Greek wine, and traditional Greek spirits. After dinner, sweet pastries and delicacies include the ever-popular Baklava (bak-la-VA) and Loukoumades (loo-koo-mathes). The dessert selection has grown these past few years from a handful of offerings, to a wide variety of baked goods, including Chocolate Baklava Cheesecake, Baklava Brownies, and Greek Cannoli.
The Kafenio (coffee shop), will be whipping up authentic Greek Frappe, a chilled drink shaken by hand in the traditional manner of all cafes in Greece, as well as our thick Greek coffee, prepared to order.
Our Greek Agora includes ethnic jewelry, pottery, clothing and food items. Our Kid’s Korner features the popular Mt. Olympus climbing wall and face painting. Greek Dancers from all over the Bay Area and dressed in traditional costumes will perform a variety of folk dances that have been handed down for hundreds of years. Dance schedules will be posted on our web site and Facebook. Finally our annual raffle prize includes a one week stay on beautiful Naxos Island, including airfare and ferry transfers.
Bring the whole family and enjoy being Greek for a day!
FREE Admission – All Ages Welcome!
Friday, September 5 from 5 pm – 10 pm • Saturday, September 6 from 11 am -10 pm • Sunday, September 7 from 12 – 8 pm
For more information call (831) 429-6500, email us at [email protected] or visit www.propheteliassantacruz.org.
100% of the proceeds benefit the Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church of Santa Cruz.