Greek cultural feast awaits Niagara
When Niagara’s Greek community comes together for its fourday celebration this weekend, there will be a real feast for the senses.
The grounds of the Niagara Greek Community Centre in St. Catharines will be transformed with the scents, sights and sounds of Greece, with authentic food, music and dance, and much more, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3. Festival organizing committee co-chair Harry Korosis describes it as an ethnocultural exchange with the community at large.
“It’s a chance to celebrate our culture, but also share it with others across the Niagara Region,” says Korosis. “We enjoy sharing a slice of our culture, whether it be the food, music or dance.”
This year marks the 13th year of the festival, and thanks to an expansion with an additional day a few years ago, the festival has seen strong crowds enjoy the Greek hospitality each year.
“We’re routinely seeing crowds of 15,000 or more each festival, and it’s been a tremendous success,” says Korosis. “In turn, we’ve invested in more infrastructure to ensure it’s a friendly experience. I think we have one of
the best operating festivals anywhere.”
It’s also meant that more funds can be invested into the community centre. Over the past years much work has gone into enhancing and expanding the centre, which was once Maplewood School, into a community hub. While it originally was used for the church, since then a Greek language program has been introduced and a dance program is offered for children ages three to mid-20s.
“The festival has been a big contributor to our ongoing operations, both for facility improvements and maintenance and programs,” says Korosis.
One of the biggest attractions of the festival, he says, is the food itself. Whether you’re looking for a taste of some sweet desserts such as kourambiethes, loukoumades or baklava, or some authentic Greek dishes such as souvlaki and gyros, there will be something for you, says Korosis.
“It’s a great chance to sample a little bit of everything and enjoy some great Greek cuisine.”
There will be a live Greek band, belly dance performances and the Greek Community of Niagara Dancers, with the Niagara Hellenic Dance Troupe as one of the highlights.
Other attractions include a kids zone and a marketplace.
Korosis says the tradition of giving back continues. The centre continues to accept donations for charity partner Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold and this year will be presenting a $2,500 donation to Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region. It also donated 300 festival fun packs filled with food, beverage and kids zone vouchers to children and their caregivers with Family and Children’s Services Niagara.
“It makes us feel good that we’re able to do that for many people who might not have that opportunity,” says Korosis. “We’re proud to give back as a community in the different ways we do.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Greek Community of Niagara, says Korosis.
“It’s a significant year for us and we’re thankful after all these years we are able to maintain our core values and purpose and at the same time expand our connections. We’re proud to showcase our culture and we get enjoyment out of seeing others enjoy all we have to offer. It really connects the Greek community with the Niagara community.”
For details on the festival, including a menu, entertainment times and more, visit niagaragreekfestival.com.