It’s Greek to Me

Experience Greece without a passport or jet lag at the 53rd annual Tulsa Greek Festival.

The Tulsa Greek Festival is the longest-running ethnic ­festival in Tulsa. Celebrating its 53rd year, the event ­showcases Greek culture with authentic dances, costumes, music and, of course, food and drink. TGF runs September 19-21 and is ­hosted by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, located at Guthrie Ave. and 13th Street.

    Greg Metevelis, general chairman for Tulsa Greek Festival, has a strong ­connection to the event that is almost twice his age. As a lifelong member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, he has grown ­alongside the festival. “I’ve been involved since I was a kid, first as a performer in the dances. Then, as I grew up, I got more involved with ­organizing the festival,” he explains. Now in his third year as general chairman for the festival, Metevelis is ­excited to see the event grow and continue to engage, ­entertain and educate the community.

    The Greek holiday has become a favorite event for Tulsans, providing cultural education and entertainment, as well as much needed ­support for the various ­community partners in Tulsa and beyond. Money that is raised from the event helps fund the many projects and initiatives that Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church ­partners with. “Throughout the year, our church supports over a dozen charities. Some are local and some are located throughout the country,” explains Mr. Metevelis. Some of these projects include ongoing work with John 3:16, Iron Gate Community, Tulsa Day Center for the Homeless, Camp Agape Cancer NW and the Special Olympics.

    For three days, Tulsa Greek Festival will offer indoor and outdoor ­entertainment for all ages and interests. The event will ­showcase ethnic dances and music throughout the ­weekend. Performed by parishioners, young and old, dressed in authentic ethnic costumes, these dances bring to life ancient traditions and tell the stories of love, war, passion and adventure.

    The marketa ­(marketplace) will feature Greek wares ranging from ceramics, jewelry, clothes and much more. A new official Tulsa Greek Festival T-shirt designed for 2013, as well as “Cooking Greek for Tulsa” – a cookbook comprised of favorite recipes shared by Tulsa-area Greeks – will be on sale at the marketa.

    Tulsa Greek Festival will have plenty of food and drink to fuel the celebration. Guests can build their own dinner, choosing from a variety of home-cooked entrées and sides, including lamb, chicken or pork soulvaki (shish kabob), gyros, spanakopita, tiropita and much more. Desserts and bakery items will be plentiful, too, ­featuring authentic ­­home-made favorites like baklava, finikia, kourambiethes, and koulourakia. The tavern will serve Greek wine and beer, bottled water and EPSA ­beverages (non-alcoholic ­carbonated drinks imported from Greece). “We have a kafenion, where you can get Greek-style coffee,” says Greg, adding a perfect pairing for the pastries offered at the bakery. Along with the ­entertainment and activities offered at the festival, guests will also have chances to win cash prizes by purchasing ­tickets for a raffle.

    The Tulsa Greek Festival is a fantastically unique event that brings the community together for a weekend of ­celebrating all things Greek. Guests can go online to www.tulsagreekfestival.com to print off free admission tickets for the event. The event welcomes all ages, and knowledge of Greek ­language or customs is not required. Just bring your appetite for great food, dance and your passion for life!

For more information, contact

Tulsa Greek Festival

(918) 583-2082

www.tulsagreekfestival.com