SALT LAKE CITY, UT – From September 11-13 a string of blocks in Downtown Salt Lake City turns a slice of Greece bursting with music food and dancing courtesy of the Greek Festival of Holy Trinity Cathedral.
This year, Salt Lake City’s largest ethnic event is celebrating a big Anniversary.
“The Greek Orthodox Church of Greater Salt Lake is delighted to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Salt Lake Greek Festival,” Alicia Mares, Parish Council President told the Salt Lake Tribune. “Our annual event gives us the opportunity to share our deep rooted culture with the great people of Salt Lake City and beyond.”
Cindy Skedros’ family migrated to the Rocky Mountains in the early 20th century. They were active in church and community – her brother James Skedros is a professor at Holy Cross School of Theology in Brookline – and they have been a part of all 40 festivals.
Four decades ago Salt Lake City’s cultural life was not highly developed, she told The National Herald, and the Festival gave the parish the opportunity to showcase Hellenic traditions to a city that was literally hungry for it.
“Tables of plump dolmades, layers of fluffy and savory pastitsio, hearty spanakopita and pounds of feta and olives await hungry festivalgoers,” the Triune reported, but Skedros told TNH it’s the hospitality offered by the community which makes it one of the biggest Greek festivals in the country.
The entertainment is also a powerful draw. The festival “boasts the best in traditional and contemporary Greek folk dancing. Like years before, the main stage fills up quickly with adult and children dance troupes, performing for attendees…There are entertainment options for children, live Greek music provided daily by the Chris Dokos band.
Skedros noted that the Cretan dance group is also a big crowd pleaser.
There are also tours of the Cathedral, and of the Hellenic Cultural Museum.
The Tribune notes that the festival “boasts a comprehensive look at Greek culture, with plenty of arts, crafts and memorabilia available for purchase.”
“We invite you to join us in experiencing our Greek heritage,” said Mares, “Enjoy a wide variety of food and drink while being entertained with Greek music and dance performances. OPA!”
The festival is the parish’s major annual fundraising event and it is held at the Cathedral campus, which is located at 279 300 W. in Salt Lake City. Hours and other admission information is available at 801-328-9681 or saltlakegreekfestival.com .
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