The Santa Barbara Greek Festival returns to Chase Palm Park this weekend for its 53rd year, bringing Greek food, music, dancing and family activities to the community.
The annual event has grown into a three-day festival, running August 14-16.
After proving ourselves a couple years here, we finally got Sunday. But people like Friday too, so we kept all three days, said Alex Mendoza, Operations Manager.
The festival is presented by the Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. Visitors can experience Greek culture through traditional music and dancing while enjoying Greek food and other activities.
Well, everyone loves the Greek Festival here in Santa Barbarafor all the years that weve had it, said George Papador, Chairman of the Greek Festival.
Papador said food, family and music are central to the celebration.
Just like any culture, it revolves around food, family and music, Papador said.
For Mendoza, the festival also has a personal connection. He said he has been involved with the event since he was a child, working in his mothers booth.
The festival is really personal to me. Ive been working in my moms booth since I was this little, Mendoza said.
The festival continues through Sunday, August 16 at Chase Palm Park. Admission is $5, and children 12 and younger are admitted free.
Festival hours are 3:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, noon to 8 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 6:30 p.m. on Sunday.
For more information, visit the official Santa Barbara Greek Festival website at sbgreekfest.org.