Want to experience Greece, but don’t have time for the flight? Come to the Marietta Greek Festival on May 18th, 19th & 20th, and leave your suitcases behind!
Held at the Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church, its parishioners hope locals will join thousands of their neighbors at the 28th annual celebration of all things Greek at one of the oldest annual festivals in East Cobb County. $5 admission (kids under 12 are free!) will get access to: homemade Greek food, dancers in traditional costume, live Greek music, kids’ activities, raffles and tours of the church.
Still, nothing says “Marietta Greek Festival” like its food. Want dolmathes? Craving spanakopita? How about a lamb shank or pastitsio with Greek-style green beans for dinner? Thinking about finikia, or galaktoboureko for dessert? They’ll all be there, as will other items, and the parishioners won’t only sell them with smiles, they’ll tell you what’s in them and how to pronounce their names properly.
Our church members have been cooking since January.” says parishioner Maria Alberts, “The kitchen at our church has been going like crazy; the moms, and aunts (men, too!) have been in the kitchen cooking up a storm, even making Greek custard pie and galaktoboureko. We will prepare more than 600 lamb shanks.”
The largest cultural event in Northwest Georgia attracts a diverse crowd and will delight all of your senses! You’ll pick up the scent of delicious Greek dishes as your palate is tempted by heavenly Greek pastries. Your ears will perk up at the live music, while your eyes gaze upon the authentically costumed dancers as they perform in the South’s only Greek amphitheater! Inside the Agora (marketplace), you’ll have a unique shopping experience courtesy of a multitude of merchants. Outside, children can participate in various games, activities and crafts in the Kid’s Area. Niko’s Pub offers adults the opportunity to quench their thirst with Greek wine, beer, and liqueur, and the new Greek Street Food tent offers delightful portable food options. Be sure to take a guided tour of the Byzantine style sanctuary to see the beautiful iconography and learn more about the Orthodox faith!
The festival donates a portion of its proceeds to the local community through two wonderful organizations: Habitat for Humanity, and the Philoptochos (Friends of the Poor) Society.
The Marietta Greek Festival is held on the church grounds located at 3431 Trickum Road in Marietta/East Cobb. It will be open from 3-11pm on Friday, 10am-11pm on Saturday, and 10am-6pm on Sunday, with FREE parking and continuous FREE shuttle service.
Visit www.MariettaGreekFestival.com or call the Church Office at 770-924-8080 for more information.
Come be Greek for the day! OPA!
This article originally appeared in the May issue of the EAST COBBER magazine, on page 18. Click here to view the digital edition.
