The aromas at the 2013 Fresno Greek Fest were overwhelming; it was as if the community had been transported to Athens. As an Americans living in Fresno, most do not have much exposure to Greek cuisine, but the Greek Fest provided opportunity for introduction. The 53rd annual Greek Fest attracts 20,000 people every year where it is held at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church, Aug. 23-25.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church is a non-profit organization and runs solely on donations and contributions from events, such as the festival. Lorraine Bukilica, the general manager of the event, feels that it is a great way to take the culture to new people. Greek cuisine is one of the many vehicles that the Church reaches the public.

“This is a wonderful event to provide funds for the church so we can grow and become [a bigger part] of the community,” Bukalica said.

The Church is nearly 90 years old yet it appears to be in amazing condition. Whether it be the stain glass windows that seem to draw viewers into a scene from the Bible, the immaculate paintings on the ceiling depict famous saints as well as the Father and Son. About 450-500 people come to worship in the sanctuary every Sunday.

The annual festival attracts people not only from the Greek community but also from many different cultural backgrounds such as Asian, Hispanic, African-American and White communities as well. The plethora of new dishes to try at the festival is breathtaking; the festival takes the visitor through a tour of Greek favorites and lasts until the visitor is completely full.

The main ingredients in Greek meals are usually ingredients such as feta cheese, spinach, eggplant, macaroni and much more. These types of dishes are served along side lamb or chicken most often. Moussaka, pastitsio, spanakopita and dolmades just to name a few dishes that incorporate these flavors.

People are attracted to the Greek food for many reasons. Some attend due to family ties, others yearn for something out of the norm. Returning Greek Fest attendees, Jerry and Pat Brady, moved to Fresno in 2003 and have attended the event for the last four years.

“I enjoy the lamb a lot, it is my favorite [dish at the festival],” Pat said “I enjoy the moussaka, it is very tasty.”

Moussaka is a traditional dish that contains a combination of eggplant, potatoes, onions and beef. It is usually a compliment to chicken or lamb.

There are many different kinds of people that attend the festival. Kopi Sotiropulos is a local television personality on KMPH Fox 26, and is the host of Great Day a local TV news program. He was born in Greece and immigrated to the US at age three. He has been here ever since, but still enjoys celebrating his heritage with food.

“I love the gyro sandwich, but lamb is my favorite,” Sotiropulos said. “Another important part of Greek cuisine is the dessert. Baklava most definitely is my favorite Greek dessert.”

Baklava is a traditional Greek pastry made from phyllo dough with a sweet and and gooey filling that some think is made for the angels in heaven.

The 2013 Greek Festival of Fresno was a cornucopia of Greek culture. It brings the community with no connection to anything Greek as an opportunity to mingle in the traditional ways of the Greeks.

This author can be reached via Twitter: @beal_trevor. Follow The Feather via Twitter: @thefeather.

For more information, visit the Fresno Greek Fest website here.

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