31st Annual Honolulu Greek Festival

By Caroline Wright

"Aloha" is just about the most important word to learn when visiting Hawaii, but for two days each August, Honolulu's Ala Moana Park is filled with shouts of "Opa, opa!"

In Greece, "Opa!" is a shout of celebration, an exclamation of

Hawaii has actually had a thriving Greek community since the late 1870s, when about 40 men from the Hellenic Republic came to Oahu and the Big Island to settle. They became merchants and restaurateurs and hoteliers. After the Second World War, the community, which by now included more than 200 people, formed a church, the Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. In 1980, its congregation decided to host a festival. Their plan: to raise funds for the church, and to introduce Greek culture to the Hawaiian Islands.

Thirty-one years later, and the Honolulu Greek Festival is still going strong, produced annually by the small congregation of about 100 families. Traditional culinary treats like gyros, souvlaki, dolmathes, moussaka, and spanakopita are available for purchase, as will authentic sweets such as kataifi and baklava and a selection of Greek beer and liqueurs, including ouzo and retsina. Booths at the festival will offer a tremendous assortment of merchandise for sale, including ethnic wares like fishermen's hats, pottery, and worry beads; religious items such as incense, icons, and crosses; and foodstuffs like olives and olive oils, herbs, cheeses, dry pastas and more.

Music highlights will include performances by Fotia, a band from San Francisco, and the Nisiotes Dancers, who will also teach Greek dancing in the main courtyard at various times throughout the event. It's a joyous celebration of Greek cuisine, music, and culture, a big party that ends each evening with dancing, laughing, and fun.

Opa! Opa! Aloha!

Date(s): Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 27 and 28, 2011

Location: McCoy Pavilion, Ala Moana Park, Honolulu

Hours: Noon till 9 p.m. both days

Admission: $3 for adults, free for keiki 11 years and younger and active military and their families

Website: www.greekfestivalhawaii.com

Contact: (808) 521-7220

Noteworthy: Make sure you bring cash, as checks and credit cards are NOT accepted at the festival! ATMs will be available onsite. Parking is limited at Ala Moana Beach Park; look for parking across the street in the Ala Moana and Ward areas.

Videos

Circle Dancing at Greek Festival 2010

http://youtu.be/zIE9p9pYg3M

Highlights from Greek Festival 2010

http://youtu.be/DQqYipHyqWk

Dancing at Greek Festival 2009

http://youtu.be/mraA_m3Iqog

Highlights from Greek Festival 2009

http://youtu.be/Wf0XLdPx928