Photo by Tim Motley
Food. Dance. Opa!
The smell of lemon, oregano and garlic fill the air as fresh meats are grilled over open flames and the sight of the pastry table proves to be more than anyone’s willpower could bear. From a great live band and dance demonstrations, to wine tastings and cooking classes, there is something for everyone at Yassou!
The food
An assortment of freshly prepared authentic Greek food and pastries will tempt even the most stubborn palate. Great effort has been put into obtaining fresh, local ingredients wherever possible, from the eggplant in the Moussaka, to the tomatoes that go on your Gyros and in your salad.
Choose from appetizers, full meals, sandwiches and side items. And do not forget dessert — baklava is only the beginning. Menu items are available as complete meals or a la carte. Prices range from $5 for most a la carte items to $14 for most complete meals.
The dance
Besides irresistible Greek food, there will be plenty of Greek dancing, a very old tradition that has been documented by Plato, Aristotle, Plutarch and Lucian. Traditional Greek dancing has a primarily social function, bringing the community together at key points of the year, such as Easter, the grape harvest or patronal festivals; and at key points in the lives of individuals and families, like weddings.
Holy Trinity’s youth dancers will don traditional Grecian dress and perform some of these spectacular dances. Then, when the time is right, join hands with members of the dancing circle and join in. Beginners are always welcome.
The wine (and beer)
Greece is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world — evidence of wine production dates back more than 6,500 years. Since that time, wines have been shared and enjoyed not only in households, but in communal celebrations. And what cultural celebration would be complete without access to the local libations?
Here’s what’s happening and when
Friday, August 26, 2016: 3 -10 pm
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Live music from open to close, The Levendes.
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4 pm: Greek cooking class.
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5 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17 y/o).
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6 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (5-12 y/o).
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7 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17+).
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8:15 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (18+).
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8:35 pm: Dance lessons and open dancing for all!
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8:00 pm: Children’s play area closes.
Saturday, August 27, 2016: 11 am – 10 pm
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Live music from open to close, The Levendes.
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1:00 pm: Greek cooking class.
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2:30 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17 y/o).
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4:00 pm: Wine tasting.
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5:00 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17 y/o).
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6:00 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (5-12 y/o).
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6:00 pm: Greek cooking class.
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7:15 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17+).
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8:15 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (18+).
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8:35 pm: Dance lessons and open dancing for all!
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8:00 pm: Children’s play area closes.
Sunday, August 28, 2016: 12-4 pm
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No live band. DJ playing modern Greek music.
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2:00 Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (5-12 y/o).
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3:00 pm: Traditional Greek dance demonstrations (12-17 y/o).
OK, so you’ve been warned. The Yassou! Grand Rapids Greek Cultural Festival is always a crowd pleaser, and this year it’s happening Friday, Aug. 26 through Sunday, Aug. 28 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 330 Lakeside Dr. NE between Fulton and Michigan.
