Be an Athenian for a day and enjoy all that the 41st Greek Festival has to offer. Put on by the Greek Orthodox Church, the event has become a popular tradition among residents of the Salt Lake Valley with as many as 50,000 visitors attending the weekend event. Beginning on Friday, September 9, the festival is a three-day journey into Greek culture, music, entertainment and cuisine.
“This annual event gives the Salt Lake Greek Community the opportunity to share our deep-rooted culture with the great people of the state of Utah,” Parish Council President Thomas W. Peters said.
Utah has one of the largest Greek communities in the country, which is reflected in the annual festival’s expansion into the largest cultural event in the state. From its beginning in the basement of the church, the festival has grown to offer dance performances, tours of the church and museum, and a variety of food choices. Attendees are encouraged to come feast on classic Greek cuisine, like gyros and baklava, while sitting in the majestic shadow of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.
Admission is $3 per person and many of the proceeds will be set aside by The Greek Orthodox Church to support charities in the community. Children 5 and under are free.
The Salt Lake Greek Festival is located at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 279 S. 300 W., and runs September 9 – September 11. For more information visit www.saltlakegreekfestival.com.
-Brieanna Olds
