The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of
Charlotte’s largest cultural events. It is eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte community
each year. Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers) Greek
Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine
and pastries, entertainment, art, shopping and more. Experience the sights
and sounds of Greece when you visit the 34th Annual Yiasou Greek Festival.
It's a time of the year when everyone can be Greek!
The Yiasou Festival has been honored to receive several awards over recent years including:
• Best International Event - Charlotte Magazine in 2009
• Best International Festival - Charlotte Magazine in 2005
• The Best of Charlotte Award for Best Festival in 2004 - Creative Loafing
• One of Charlotte's Best Festivals in 2003 by Charlotte Observer readers
• Best Ethnic Festival of 2004, 2003 and 2000 - Creative Loafing
Featured attractions this year include: Mount Athos Lectures. Reverend, Father Michael Varvarelis, Dean of Holy Trinity Cathedral
will be presenting a series of lectures on the history of Mount Athos.
Mount Athos is the center of Eastern Christian Orthodox Monastacism.
It is home to 20 Orthodox Monastaries and only monks are allowed to live
on Mount Athos. Classical Greek Culture Lectures. Dr. Keyne Cheshire, Dr. Peter Krentz, Dr. Michael K. Toumazou,
Mr. Larry Peroulas, and Mr. Chris Pangalos,
will be joining the Warriors of Greece
Living History Group and the Culture Room this year for a series of mini-lectures on various topics
of classical Greece. Details... Greek Cultural Exhibit. One of the
largest local collections on display, the Greek Cultural Exhibit will
feature artifacts such as Greco-Roman spearheads and coins dating back
to 500 BC and a living history presentation “Warriors of Greece”. Witness
Greece’s most celebrated fighters, the elite Spartans in person. Experience
the history and heritage of Ancient Sparta, and see why the Spartans
were the most formidable warriors of all times. Also on display
are artifacts and items illustrating the culture of the small villages
of Greece, and interesting facts about the Greek language which is the
origin of many words.
• 11 am to 9 pm Thursday, Sept. 8th
• 11 am to 10 pm Friday, Sept.
9th
• 11 am to 10 pm Saturday, Sept. 10th
• 12 noon to 8 pm on Sunday, Sept. 11th
•Admission is $2.00. Children 12 and under are admitted free, accompanied
by a parent or guardian.
•School groups and senior citizens groups can make arrangements for free
admission by contacting Helen Karras at the church office at 704-334-4771 by
Thursday, August 25th.
