Be Greek for a Day, or a Few Days, at Annual Bayshore Greek Festival

Mark your calendars and get ready for one of the best cultural celebrations of the year, as Kimisis Tis Theotokou Greek Orthodox Church prepares to host its hugely popular annual Bayshore Greek Festival! This year, the festivities will be held on Thursday, June 6 from 6 to 10 pm, Friday, June 7 from 5 to 11 pm, Saturday, June 8 from 1 to 11 pm, and Sunday, June 9 from 12 to 8 pm. The event takes place on the grounds of the church at 20 Hillcrest Road in Holmdel, NJ. With a parish community that includes hundreds of families from all over the Bayshore area and thousands of attendees who turn out each year for the celebration, the Bayshore Greek Festival is not to be missed.

All are invited to come and “be Greek for a day,” which means to relish the world around you and enjoy life to the fullest. And there is much to be relished at the Bayshore Greek Festival, from the aromas and tastes of the delectable homemade foods to the beauty of the traditional costumes and artwork to the sights and sounds of the spectacular dancing and music. There will be games of skill and chance, cash 50/50 raffles, and exciting rides. Entertainment will include performances by the renowned GOYA Dancers, all adorned in elaborate handcrafted outfits, with music by live bands. Be sure to show your enthusiasm with shouts of “Opa!” 

Foodies will enjoy the cooking demonstrations and tastings of various Greek dishes by featured chefs. Shoppers will want to check out the array of merchandise, jewelry, clothing, and crafts available for purchase in the vendor boutique. Take some time to go on a tour of the magnificent church with religious educators and learn its proud history as you view the beautiful iconography and stained glass windows.

And after you’ve enjoyed everything else, sit down with family and friends to relish the mouthwatering menu of meals and desserts that will be served up throughout the festival and made with love from recipes handed down through generations. Favorites include the freshly prepared souvlaki and gyro (pronounced YEE-RO) in pita wraps at the Grecian Grill in the outdoor food tent and traditional platters rich with lamb, lemon, and eggplant such as moussaka and pastichio available inside the community center, which is transformed into a Greek Taverna. Expert bakers will proudly display a large selection of incomparable Greek pastries like baklava, koulourakia, kourabiedes, and galaktobouriko.

The festival will be held rain or shine, with activities, food, and displays both indoors and outdoors. For more information, including an event map, menu, schedule, and 50/50 tickets, visit www.greekfestivalholmdel.com, call 732-739-1515, or email kimisisfestival@gmail.com.