Join Us At The Yiasou Greek Festival Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

Enjoy Authenic Greek Cuisine
Food is the main attraction at the Yiasou Festival. Greek cuisine dates back thousands of years and is part of the history and culture of Greece. Mediterranean foods are not only delicious but are known to be part of a healthy lifestyle. Fresh vegetables, olive oil, grains, fish, wine, cheese, and meat – lamb, chicken and pork are commonly used in Greek cooking. Desserts are mostly made of nuts, honey, fruits, and phyllo pastry.

Experience The Lively Greek Culture
From dance performances and live music to shopping, cultural events, and a kids’ playland, the Yiasou Greek Festival has something for each member of the family. Live entertainment is the centerpiece of the festival; listen to nationally known Greek bands; view dance performances and cultural reenactments from members of the Greek community; attend our lectures and learn about Greek history.

Folk Dancing And Live Music
Live entertainment is the centerpiece of the festival and takes place on one indoor and two outdoor stages. The main tent is filled with the sounds of the mandolin-like bouzouki, and dance performances are scheduled throughout the weekend. Traditional Greek folk dancing is presented by Holy Trinity’s youth, ages 5 to 25, who dance, sing and play the instruments of their ancestral villages.

Although folk songs and dances have been passed down through the generations, they are a “living” art and are still performed at weddings, baptisms and other social events. Folk dancing for the Greeks is truly an expression of everyday life, and each dance has a story. Our young people are very proud to share this part of their heritage with you. Don’t be shy – you might be encouraged to jump onstage and learn a few steps. OPA!

Step under the main outdoor tent and listen to the sounds of “The Grecian Keys” from Ohio. Their repertoire of both folk and modern Greek music is truly a centerpiece during the festival.

Shopping
The highly anticipated shopping experience at the Yiasou Festival is one of the many highlights each year. You’ll find a wide selection of unique items from Greek inspired jewelry, wood carvings, scarves and clothing to olive oils and religious books. Come and browse the many shops and discover some fantastic finds to take home or give someone as a gift.

Live Reenactments
Evzone – The Yiasou Festival Evzones of Holy Trinity – Come marvel in the reenactment of the changing of the guards by the men of Charlotte’s Greek community. This inaugural group of Evzones is committed to preserving and celebrating the tradition of the presidential guards, an elite unit of the Greek army which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Hellenic Parliament building, and the Presidential Mansion in Athens, Greece. The costumes of Holy Trinity’s Evzones are a replica of the uniforms worn by the Evzones in Greece. The uniform consists of the kilt-like foustanella, which has 400 pleats to represent 400 years of Turkish occupation and red leather clogs, which weigh over seven pounds. Each uniform is specially made in 80 days by trained craftsmen and is considered to be one of the most unique ceremonial military attire in the world.

Wine Tastings
Greek Wine Tastings – Visit the wine tasting booth for a sampling of some of Greece’s finest wines and a crash course in the varietals of one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world.