Houston celebrates Greek culture at Original Greek Festival

 

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- More than 40,000 people are expected to pack the Original Greek Festival over the next three days; and if you've ever wondered what it's like to be Greek for a day, volunteers say all you have to do is walk through the gates.


With the aroma of marinated souvlaki filling the air, Houstonians are letting their senses lead them to Houston's Original Greek Festival at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral on Yoakum Boulevard in the Montrose area.
"It's a great weekend," organizer Kevin Cokinos said. "You know, we look forward to it every year to kind of serve the people of Houston and give them a little bit of our heritage." 

Now in its 47th year, festival organizers say you can expect to sample authentic Greek foods, which have become favorites here for generations of visitors.
"I love the atmosphere, I love the food," a patron named Jeanie said. "Like they said, gyros in particular."
Members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church call this festival a cultural experience for the young and older.

You'll find a variety of arts and crafts from Greece for sale. Plus, there are tours of the cathedral for history buffs and so much more.
"We have dancing. We have culture. We have just a little bit of Greece and what we grew up with showing up in the city of Houston and sharing it with everybody here," organizer Dana Kantalis said.
The Original Greek Festival began Thursday and runs through Sunday. The staff recommends using free parking at Lamar High School or city of Houston's Lot H and taking the shuttle.