Drawing from the Greek-American community and Hellenophiles alike for decades, Greek festivals across the United States were either canceled or postponed because of COVID-19 and restrictions surrounding lockdowns over the virus and bans large public gatherings.

“Another festival that West Michigan looks forward to has been cancelled, but at this point none of us should be surprised,” said Mix95.7 when the Yassou Festival in Grand Rapids, Michigan posted on their Facebook page that organizers made the decision to cancel their event even though it wasn’t going to be held until August.

“For the safety of our volunteers and guests, we are confident this is the right decision to make,” the organizers said as while the virus has waned in some places it’s still rising in others and many people are fearful of gathering.

Other events canceled included the big Glendi Greek Festival in Manchester, N.H. which has a major Greek-American community but they are already looking forward to next year.

In Nashua, there won’t be a full-blown festival but a "pop-up" drive-thru at the end of June, with a limited menu and organizers still hope for a full festival in October.