The Pensacola Greek Festival has been confirmed for its 65th year in Pensacola. Here’s what you need to know about the popular event.
When is the Pensacola Greek Festival in 2025?
The Pensacola Greek Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 7, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Nov. 8, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9.
What type of food is the Greek festival known for?
The Pensacola Greek festival is famous for offering Pensacola delicious Greek food, pastries, coffee and a slice of Greek culture. There are plenty of home-cooked dishes for sale, with some of the usual suspects being moussaka (layered eggplant), spanakopita (spinach and feta triangles), Greek salads, gyros, souvlakia (grilled chicken shish-kabobs), and Greek fries. The desserts are also a big deal, as a separate tent displays the dozens of pastries, paired with a traditional Greek frappe. If you want something to take home, wholesale goods are also available, such as olive oils and blocks of feta cheese.
Is alcohol permitted?
Beer and wine will be sold at the festival, including specials like Moldovan wine.
Is there entertainment at the festival?
In addition to the abundance of food and drink, there is live music, dancing, and tours of the historic church. 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. Meanwhile, in the main dining hall, the bouzouki − a Greek stringed instrument − draws volunteer folk dancers and crowds to dance along with the music.
How long has the Pensacola Greek Festival been around?
This year will mark the 65th celebration of the festival. 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 necessary to put on the festival. Even so, they managed to host a “Taste of Greece” carry-out-only event with a limited menu. However, the festival returned full force in 2023.
Does the Pensacola Greek Festival run on volunteers?
The Pensacola Greek Festival is almost entirely volunteer-based. It requires roughly 200 volunteers annually, the majority of whom are members of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church.
What does Pensacola’s Greek community look like?
Pensacola’s Greek heritage dates back to the 1800s, when some mariners were the first Greek immigrants to arrive and stay in the area. 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 living in the fishing industry, others opened grocery stores, restaurants and small businesses. In 1910, the first Greek Orthodox Church was established.
Where do I go to find more information?
Stay up-to-date on updates regarding the Pensacola Greek Festival on their social media.
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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: What’s in the works for the Pensacola Greek Festival in 2025?
Reporting by Brittany Misencik, Pensacola News Journal / Pensacola News Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
