11th Annual Greek Fest, Victoria BC

11th Annual Greek Fest Fun for the Whole Family

VICTORIA, BC – Families looking for fun activities this August will love the fabulous food, and exciting entertainment at the 11th Annual Victoria Greek Fest August 28-September 3. Plus, admission is free – Opa!

Greek Fest 2012 offers an array of authentic Greek food, deserts, baked goods as well as a Greek deli. There are also family activities including a heritage exhibit, arts and crafts and face-painting. Greek Fest also features continuous live music and folk dancing from more than 25 different groups from cultures including Greek, Middle Eastern, European and more. Two of this years performing groups are coming all the way from Greece: the Elkelam group from Athens, and the group from the holy city of Mesologi.

Now in its 11th year, Greek Fest is the Greek Community Society’s largest annual fundraiser. More than 30,000 people attended last year’s festival, and more are expected to attend this year. The festival will take place rain or shine – thanks to the festival’s large covered tents.

This year the society is once again partnering with Saanich Fire Department to raise funds for the Hot Lunch Program, which provides food for needy school children in the Victoria area.  Proceeds from Greek Fest 2012 will help give children hot, nutritious lunches. In addition, this year Greek Fest 2012 will donate part of its proceeds to the Tour de Rock.

GREEK FEST 2012
Tuesday, August 28th - Monday, September 3rd
Open Daily 11 AM to 10 PM
Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Drive (beside Commonwealth Place)
FREE ADMISSION
Tuesday Aug 28 – Tour de Rock Day
Thursday Aug 30 – Seniors’ Day (10 per cent discount on all food)

Did You Know?
Festivals have been a religious and cultural tradition of Greek society since ancient times. Festival were held to honour or receive favour from the gods or to celebrate the changing of the seasons. This ancient rite was characterized by music, dance, athletic competitions, wine, and of course, food.  It was an opportunity for the whole community to join and celebrate the ideals of family, friendship and philoxenia – generosity towards strangers. The most famous of the ancient festivals was the Olympic Games.