Houston – Houston’s 58th Original Greek Festival kicks off this weekend at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Montrose. Over three days, more than 35,000 Houstonians are expected to attend the event, which has been a staple in the community for decades.
Maria Christie, a longtime festival volunteer, has been involved in almost every aspect of the event, from preparing food to organizing dance performances. She shared that many Greek families in Houston have deep connections to the festival, with generations contributing their time and talent. “It’s truly a family event,” Christie explained. For those attending for the first time, Christie reassures them that they don’t need to be Greek to enjoy the festivities. Festivalgoers can expect authentic Greek dishes made with the finest ingredients, thanks to the volunteers who prepare everything from scratch. With the influx of volunteers, extra funds can go towards the ingredients like real butter for the baklava, and real Texas pecans for our pastries. If you can’t decide on what you want, the festival has a pastry box for purchase with a sampling of sweets or enjoy a full Greek meal while taking in the lively atmosphere.
Aside from the delicious food, the festival offers traditional Greek dancing, which Christie says is performed by children and adults alike. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to visit the Agora, where they can find Greek art, handmade goods, and even wine made by monks in Texas.
One thing is for sure, do not miss out on the cathedral tours. One of the festival’s highlights is a tour of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral, which has undergone recent renovations. The cathedral’s iconic domes and arches are adorned with stunning iconography.
Christie recommends using rideshare services, as parking in the neighborhood can be challenging. And don’t forget to arrive early—when the food runs out, it’s gone!
The festival runs from Thursday, October 3, through Saturday, October 5, with $8 admission for adults. Children under 12 attend for free, and on Friday, there is free admission during the lunch hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.