Pensacola Greek Festival will be back and in-person for the 1st time since 2019

The famous Pensacola Greek Festival is making a return for its 63rd season this fall and is slated for Nov. 3-5 at 1720 W. Garden St.

This will be the festival’s first in-person year since celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019. The 2020 and 2021 Greek festivals were canceled due to the impact of the pandemic and renovations to the church complex.

In 2022, organizers were short on volunteers, since it requires hundreds to put on the festival. Even so, they managed to host a “Taste of Greece” carry-out only event with a limited menu that featured pastitso (a Greek macaroni and meat casserole,) stuffed grape leaves and a pastry assortment for pick-up in lieu of the traditional festival.

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Even though a version of the event was still able to go on, it was missing many of the things that make the in-person festival special.

In a normal year, the bouzouki, a Greek stringed instrument, draws volunteer folk dancers and crowds to dance along with the music.

Some of the must-try, homecooked dishes typically include the lamb, moussaka (layered eggplant), spanakopita (spinach and feta triangles), Greek salads, gyros, souvlakia (grilled chicken shish-kabobs), Greek fries, desserts, beer, wine and coffee.

There are several ways the Greek parishioners use the festival not only to share their delicious food but share their culture.

Parishioners lead group tours during the historic Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church during the festival while the choir sings traditional hymns. During these tours, guests learn about the Greek church and community.

Pensacola's Greek heritage dates to the 1800s, when some mariners were the first Greek immigrants to arrive and stay in Pensacola. They worked as local fishermen, and by 1910, about 120 immigrants were permanent residents of the area, bringing with them a rich cultural heritage to share.

As their families expanded, so did the effect of Greek culture on business. While some continued to make their livings in the fishing industry, others opened grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses. In 1910, the first Greek Orthodox Church was established.

Now in 2023, the traditions and culture are still being kept alive through Pensacola’s Greek community.

The three-day party will span from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday.

It will be a busy weekend for Pensacola, as the festival aligns with this year’s Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show.

For more updates and information on this year’s festival, follow the Pensacola Greek Festival Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola Greek Festival plans major comeback to celebrate 63 years