Denver Greek Festival celebrates 50 years

Celebrating 50 years, the Denver Greek Festival stands as one of the first outdoor festivals in Denver. Located at the Assumption of the Theotokos Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver, the Greek Festival provides visitors the opportunity to be Greek for a day.C

The festival started in 1965 and has grown into the largest Greek festival in the state, drawing crowds of thousands from Denver and the surrounding areas each year.

Guests can enjoy live, traditional Greek dancing from the Hellenic Dance Academy and the Idomeneas Cretan Dancers. The dancers are members from the church community, aged from as young as five all the way through adulthood. Both groups put on various performances throughout the each day during the weekend.

The Greek Festival also offers a wide variety of homemade, traditional Greek food made by members of the community. Favorites such as gyros, kalamari, and baklava as well as many other Greek dishes and pastries are offered for visitors to taste.

In addition to the food and entertainment, visitors can shop for authentic Greek merchandise, gold and silver jewelry, photography and art from various Greek vendors flown in from across the country.

By taking a tour of the Cathedral, visitors can learn all about the Greek Orthodox religion and have a chance to listen to Byzantine Chant from the church’s performing choir while being surrounded by beautiful Byzantine iconography.

This event is fun for all ages, with carnival games and food choices that are kid-friendly.

The Greek Festival begins this Friday and lasts through Sunday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. It is located at 4610 East Alameda Avenue in Denver. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 12 and under, and $3 for seniors 65 and older.

Eat, drink, dance and be Greek for the weekend. OPA!