CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, CA – Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA, hosts the 44th Annual Cardiff Greek Festival September 7-8. Attendees will enjoy Hellenic cuisine, entertainment, and hospitality as the church grounds are transformed into a Greek island village with the sights, sounds, and tastes of Greece.

“Our parish is once again excited to share Greece’s rich history and traditions, which we hold so dear, with the community-at-large through the festival,” Rev. Father Michael Sitaras, the community’s presiding priest, said in a news release. “Greeks show their love through food, music, dancing, and joyful shouts of ‘Opa!’ We look forward to sharing the fun with you.”

The entertainment includes the distinctive sounds of the bouzouki from renowned Southern California Greek band The Olympians performing traditional and popular songs throughout the weekend. The parish’s youngest members – ages five through high school – will perform intricate folk dances in elaborate costumes. Attendees can also put their best foot forward with guided dance instruction.

Among the delicious Greek food and drinks to enjoy are authentic delicacies such as Greek-style roasted lamb shanks, lemon chicken, souvlaki, pastitsio, loukaniko, and gyros. Vegetarian fare includes tiropites (cheese pies), spanakopita (spinach pie), dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves), fasolakia (green beans in tomato sauce), feta fries, Greek salad, and new this year, saganaki (flaming Greek cheese).

Mouth-watering Greek pastries and specialty coffee, such as refreshing frappes, will also be available. Greek wine expert Michael Pavlidis will offer classes and tastings of imported wines from several regions of Greece.

Fr. Sitaras will host tours of the church throughout the weekend. “What many visitors don’t realize is that our gold dome, which reflects an iconic shining cross on the outside, is just as magnificent on the inside. I cherish the moment when guests first experience the intricacy of the Byzantine mosaics, iconography, and architecture,” Fr. Sitaras said.

The Agora, inspired by a traditional marketplace, features Greek imports, fine jewelry, artwork, Greek deli items, and more.

The Kids Fun Zone will also be available to entertain the children.

The raffle offers a chance to win either a fully paid two-year lease for a 2024 Hyundai Kona SEL (ICE) or Ioniq 5 SEL (EV), or $10,000 cash. Limited to 5,000 tickets for $20 each. Tickets can be purchased at the festival or requested via email: [email protected].

The Cardiff Greek Festival takes place Saturday, September 7, 10 AM-10 PM, and Sunday, September 8, 11 AM-9 PM on the grounds of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 3459 Manchester Avenue, a half mile east of I-5 at the Manchester exit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea.

Free parking is available at adjacent Mira Costa College. Admission is $4, and free for children under 12, active military, police, and firefighters with ID. No pets allowed, ADA certified service dogs only.

More information is available by phone: 760-942-0920 and online: www.cardiffgreekfest.com.