What You Can Find at the Festival

Remarkable Architecture

Oakland is home to one of the most exquisite modern Byzantine Church structures in the world. Visitors come from all over to see the synthesis of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Modern architecture forms. Tours are given daily (see page 13), plus each day the Ascension Liturgical Choir augments the tour with Church hymns.

Tasty Treats

Strolling along the festival grounds, you can enjoy the tantalizing aromas of Souvlakia (chicken or pork shish kebobs cooked to order), Arni tis Souvlas (whole lamb on a spit), Barbecued Leg of Lamb Sandwiches (they are delicious) and Loukaniko (Greek sausage with just a hint of orange).

Calamari is another tasty and tender treat that is prepared to order and served hot.

Also try the always-popular Tiganites Patates (fries) located in the Calamari booth.

The Spanakopita and Tiropita booth remain the perfect Orektika or appetizers. They are filo pastry filled with feta and spinach or feta and cottage cheese. Served piping hot out of the oven, they are delectable.

The most popular and largest booth remains the Gyro booth, which serves roughly 6,000 pita-filled delights. Tender, perfectly grilled spicy beef is piled on pita bread and topped with tomatoes, onions and delicious homemade Tsatsiki, a yogurt and cucumber sauce with dashes of special seasonings. Prepared to order, the gyros have been called the finest in the Bay Area.

Halloumi is a Greek-Cypriot cheese that is delicate in flavor and texture, but perfect for grilling and topped with a caper sauce served on pita bread – a real delicacy for the discriminating palate.

Another festival favorite is Saganaki, a special Kefalograviera cheese imported from Greece. The cheese is grilled and flambéed with brandy as the spectators shout “Opa!”

Complete your feast with our delicious Loukoumades and homemade Greek pastries in the Kefenion or take them to go!