Eat Like a Greek

Paul and I had a busy weekend. Friday evening, we frequented our First Friday Art stops by starting at Pacific Wave, MAH, Artisans Gallery, Stripes for Women & Stripes for Men, and ending at Felix Kulpa Gallery.

  
Courtesy of Santa Cruz Greek Festival

Saturday afternoon found us at this year's 38th Annual Greek Festival in Santa Cruz, sponsored by Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church. Once Paul finished his itemized consultation with Father Milutin Janjic, and I watched the video interview played in the church, we went straight to the food tents, and bought our favorite foods. After inhaling delicious gyros, loukoumathes, and moussaka in no time, we proceeded to walk and enjoy like a Greek.

The Spartan Band's music was lively and powerful as usual. At 4:00 pm, a Monterey dance troupe performed a series of professional Greek folk dances, even though the average age of the members seemed to be 70 and above. The Sunday afternoon public dance was led by a number of young people. Different age groups gave rise to different energies, each enjoyable in their respective ways.

The festive singing, smells, and sights reminded me of my first attendance in 1989. The food appeared to be much the same, but with wider variety and bigger volume. Many a familiar face is no longer to be seen. Friends have passed, moved away, or are otherwise engaged. However, we had a great time with new festival friends in Kevin, Joseph, and his sister, Kim, and old friends in Shirley and Mr. Peterson.

This year's festival has been exceptionally well-thought-out and organized. The friendship and joy from the festival has not only brought people together as Bek Phillips wrote in her article, but is warming their hearts and souls throughout the year!

Needless to say, we did eat and enjoy like a Greek for the weekend!