Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church will hold its 45th annual Cardiff Greek Festival from Sept. 6-7. The church campus will become a Greek island village for two days offering a glimpse into the history and traditions of Greece.
Highlights include a variety of authentic Greek food and drinks, a traditional Greek marketplace, music by the Southern California Greek band The Olympians and folk dance performances featuring traditional costumes along with guided dance instruction and a kids zone.
The lineup of food ranges from gyros, Greek-style roasted lamb shanks, shish-kabobs and sausage to spinach pie in filo, stuffed grape leaves and feta fries along with Greek salad. There will be Greek pastries and specialty coffee. Greek wine expert Michael Pavlidis will offer tastings of imported wines and drinks from several areas of Greece.
The marketplace includes Greek imports, fine jewelry, artwork and a Greek deli.
The Rev. Michael Sitaras will host tours of the gold-domed church throughout the weekend.
A chance to win a $20,000 cash drawing or four home plate Padres tickets including food, beverages and parking (up to $2,600 value) will be offered; opportunity tickets are $20 at the festival or by request at cardiffgreekfestival@gmail.com.
The festival is from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sept. 6 and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 7 at 3459 Manchester Ave. Admission is $4; free for children younger than 12, and active military, police and firefighters with ID.
Free parking is at the adjacent MiraCosta College. No pets are allowed; ADA-certified service dogs only.
Visit cardiffgreekfest.com.
