Saturday and Sunday, February 28-March 1, 2009
St. George Greek Orthodox Church
Palm Desert, California

Story by Lauren Lunstrum
Photos by Cathy Jardine

For more Cathy Jardine photos of the Greek Festival, click here.

Let’s give a loud “OPA!” for the 13th Annual Palm Desert Greek Festival! Held at the St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Palm Desert, Sat.-Sun., Feb. 28-March 1, the festival gave Southern California residents from far and wide a chance to enjoy exciting Greek life for two days Festival goers sampled Greek food, energetic dance and loud music. In bright sunlight and good spirit, local residents were pleasantly swept away to the cool Greek Isles of the Mediterranean as soon as they stepped foot on festival grounds.

When first entering the festival, attendees could hear the Greek music off in the distance while being suddenly attracted to the smell of the delicious Greek food (not to mention seeing an incredibly long line of hungry crowd members waiting for their meals!). The wait in the long line, however, was worth it. Famous Greek gyros, made of tender lamb strips wrapped in onions, tomato and pita bread, were being sold left and right. Baklava, a popular Greek pastry dessert, was also a common choice for people in the mood for sweets. Volunteers covered in blue and white clothing, Greece’s national colors, smiled brightly as people passed through the line collecting food for their plates. Not surprisingly, the eating area was jam packed with people enjoying the Middle Eastern food while socializing with friends and family.

After eating, attendees were pulled to the applause of the crowd who cheered for people attempting to learn traditional Greek dance. By observing the size of the crowd watching the dancers, it was obvious that the Greek dance was a huge hit of the event. A dance instructor gave directions to a circle of participants holding hands, many of whom gave embarrassed laughs as they followed the instructor’s movements.

“Move one foot after the other,” said the dance instructor confidently, who happened to be a member of the Greek Festival’s main band. When finished giving a set of directions he would say to the crowd, “Let’s hear an OPA!”

As dancing took place, attendees explored the market area that consisted of Greek groceries, accessories, clothing, jewelry and more. Greek pastries were ordered to go and vendors sold cotton t-shirts that boasted bold Greek words. Jewelry was one of the most popular items sold in the market. On display were all kinds of jewelry made of woodcarvings, different glass designs and brightly colored beads.

“I love the organic art from Masashi’s Art,” said La Quinta resident Keely Scott excitedly. “They’re gorgeous! I would definitely come back to the Greek Festival.”

Not only could event attendees learn about Greek food and dance, they were also welcomed to tour the church and learn about Greece’s Eastern Orthodox faith. Priests greeted visitors as they entered the church, and were happy to smile in photos with guests. Visitors could then explore the church’s main section, composed of art fixtures and tall white ceilings that extended to a large dome at the top of the building. The main part of the church was covered with mosaic artwork and murals that were visuals for major events that occurred in the Bible, for which the Eastern Church is famous. Looking at the side walls, mosaics of important biblical figures were noticeable, consisting of all kinds of colored tile and patterns. Next, when looking straight up, a beautiful mural of Jesus was painted on the dome of the church.

Clearly the Greek Festival has developed wonderfully during the last 13 years. Well-known companies such as The Yellow Basket, Goody’s Café, and Unicars Honda were proud sponsors of the event. The atmosphere was exciting as well as soothing, mostly because the volunteers who welcomed visitors as though they were family and friends. Many volunteers from the church were very proud to sport blue and white clothing, and made sure people enjoyed themselves.

After a day of Greek food, dance and charm, there’s no reason why Greeks wouldn’t be proud of their heritage. Although the Palm Desert Greek Festival is over for 2009, it is certain that the festival will continue to amaze and impress people for years to come. In fact, the festival’s program is already requesting volunteers and help for the Greek Festival of 2010.

OPA!

Special thanks to all the sponsors and volunteers who made this a wonderful event.

For more Cathy Jardine photos of the Greek Festival, click here.

For more about the Greek Festival, click here.

For more about St. George Greek Orthodox Church, click here.