FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Hundreds of people from across the Central Valley gathered at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church Saturday for food, dancing and a celebration of Greek culture during Fresno’s 64th annual Greekfest.
Organizers say, while many enjoy the authentic Greek cuisine, music, and dance, Greekfest is about much more than having a good time.
Attendees are invited to tour Saint George Greek Orthodox Church and learn more about its history in Fresno.
“It really is a landmark for the valley,” Father Jim Pappas said. “And you don’t see a church like ours outside of Europe. We are 102 years old in Fresno.”
Pappas says Greekfest began 65 years ago with around 400 attendees. Now, more than 20,000 visitors make their way to Greekfest year after year.
The festival was not held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, making this year’s celebration the 64th annual Greekfest.
Beyond fundraising for the church and sharing Greek culture with Fresno, Pappas says the festival also brings people of different backgrounds together for a common cause and wholesome fun.
“With some of the culture that’s been happening that we’ve encountered throughout the United States right now, and the discomfort, it’s really great to see all this coming together as one big family,” Pappas said.
Families like Daniel and Tamara Papangellin’s see Greekfest as an annual opportunity to share and celebrate their culture with others.
“This is one of my favorite weekends to have the whole year,” Daniel Papangellin said. “To be able to share this with everybody so they can experience Greece…We take so much care and the quality to give the people of Fresno the best possible experience.”
Sunday will be the final day of this year’s Greekfest.
But Pappas says Services at Saint George Greek Orthodox Church are available year-round in nine languages to accommodate as many Orthodox Christians as possible.
