Opa! Halifax Greek Fest celebrates 38 years

The Halifax Greek Festival kicks-off a four-day celebration of food, culture and fun.

The 38th annual Greek Fest is set to kick off in Halifax this weekend.

Natasha Compton, who is part of the Greek Fest organizing team, says volunteers have been hard at work preparing to welcome guests.

“The sun is here, and we have been busy prepping souvlaki, donair, 100 trays of baklava,” she says.

Compton says there will be three new things for festivalgoers to experience this year.

“We have a Greek pastitsio plate, so that is a type of Greek lasagna. It’s layers of noodles. hamburger, meat sauce, cheese – it’s all very delicious with a Greek salad, cheese stuffed spinach puffs, a souvlaki. Enough food to feed a family, for sure,” says Compton.

“Then we have a lovely wine tasting that’s happening on Sunday at 1:00 with Costa Ellis, who is the owner of Ela! and a sommelier.”

There’s also new island dance performances on this year’s festival schedule.

“We have over 100 members of the group, and we’re going to show you dances from the islands, from the mainland, modern tavern dancing,” says dancer Yanni Karmas.

“We’re also going to be showcasing a new island set this year from the Romiosyni Dance Group.”

Compton says the best thing about the festival is that it is a true family affair.

“We’ve got, you know, almost 350 families who work together to make this festival happen. We have students and dancers from the age of five to 30 who are participating this weekend and who just really want to showcase their culture and their dance,” she says.

Overall, the goal of the festival is to showcase the Greek hospitality.

“Bring your family, bring your friends,” says Compton.

“We want everyone to come down, enjoy the great food… and maybe learn a dance or two.”

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