You can once again experience a taste of Hellenic culture and cuisine in person as the Victoria Greek Fest returns to the Greek Community Centre this weekend and next.
This is the 20th year of the annual event.
“People will notice that the venue is slightly different this year, with the tents a lot more open to align with all necessary COVID-19 related precautions,” said Tim Petropoulos, one of the organizers.
In keeping with COVID-19 health and safety protocols at the time, last year’s event was only a drive-through affair. That event still drew about 15,000 visitors.
“Last year, we just rolled with the punches. But we felt it important enough to reopen this year and help keep this beloved community tradition alive,” said Petropoulos.
Because of the complicated logistics involved in travel and booking international entertainers during a pandemic, organizers decided to take a hiatus and only feature pre-recorded music for this year’s event.
The full menu is back, with an array of authentic Greek dishes, including roasted lamb prepared according to Greek tradition. There will also be souvlaki, spanakopita, baklava, loukoumades and more.
There will be dine-in as well as food pick-up opportunities.
The event is fully licensed, with beer or wine offerings.
This year also sees the return of cultural exhibit tours through the Greek Heritage Museum. The museum, which explores the history of Greece and Greeks in B.C., has new exhibits to commemorate the country’s 200 years of independence this year.
Admission is free. The event runs from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. from today to Sunday and Sept. 3 to 6 at the Greek Community Centre, 4648 Elk Lake Dr. Visitors to the museum are limited to 20 at a time.
Hand sanitizer is provided and masks are discretionary. Dishes can be ordered online and picked up on-site.
• For more info, go to greekfest.ca
