Indianapolis GreekFest 2023 kicks off in 2 days

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The 50th annual Indy GreekFest starts this Friday.

The two-day festival gives you a chance to experience Greek culture with the help of delicious food, lively music, and traditional dances, while also gaining knowledge about the Orthodox Christian Faith.

The Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox will be hosting the 50th anniversary of GreekFest in 2023, which is considered to be one of central Indiana’s oldest and biggest ethnic festivals.

Holy Trinity is a parish that’s been serving central Indiana for over a century. It was established by Greek immigrants and was initially located on West Street.

However, in 1961, the parish outgrew its facilities and moved to 40th and Pennsylvania streets. Currently, Holy Trinity is set on a 20-acre campus in Carmel, Indiana, where the GreekFest is held.

This festival is best known for authentic Greek cuisine, fresh pastries, and wines.

Admission is free, but children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Lenie Tsakonas, the marketing director for Indy GreekFest, joined Daybreak to talk all things Greek.

Tsakonas demonstrated how to make an authentic Greek dish called Tzatziki dip. Her recipe includes Greek yogurt, shaved English cucumber, minced garlic, and freshly squeezed lemon. It was delicious with the pita chips.

This is just one of the many dips you’ll be able to try at this year’s Greek festival.

Friday:

Cooking Demonstrations

5 p.m. – Frappe Coffee

6:30 p.m. – Youvesti

Youvesti is a Greek dish made with chicken, lamb or beef, with pasta, either kritharaki or hilopites, and tomato sauce.

7:30 p.m. – Bougatsa

Bougatsa is a traditional Greek dessert made with a creamy custard wrapped in golden brown crispy phyllo, sprinkled with melted butter, and topped with icing sugar and cinnamon.

Cathedral Tours

5 -7 p.m.

Dance

The Holy Trinity Hellenic Dance Troupes

6 p.m. – Junior (K-5) group

7 p.m. – Learn to Greek Dance

8 p.m. – High School Dance Group

9 p.m. – Adult Dance Group

The schedule for Saturday can be found here. Indy GreekFest will happen at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 3500 W 106th St, Carmel, IN 46032. More information about the festival can be found here.