SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)—The sights, sounds, and scents of Greece have returned to Central New York as the 52nd annual Greek Cultural Festival kicks off June 5 at St. Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church in DeWitt.
Inside the bustling church kitchen, the heart of the operation is in full swing. Volunteers roll dough, stir sauces, and bake fresh pita bread, all in preparation for one of Syracuse’s most beloved summer traditions.
“Most of it is all made here,” said longtime volunteer and Parish Council President Peter Manolakos. “Ladies. Not just the ladies. People make it. And it’s an enormous amount of work.”
That work begins well before the first guest arrives. According to festival organizer Marianna Politis, planning starts as early as March.
“We don’t stop planning,” she said. “There’s a lot of thought and energy that goes into it. There are different committees for each section that meet all year round to make sure everything is executed accordingly.”
Now in its 52nd year, the 2025 festival, held June 5–8, promises an even more vibrant celebration than previous years. A full menu of authentic Greek cuisine will be served, including flaming saganaki cheese, savory gyros, buttery spanakopita, and sweet, flaky baklava. For those needing a caffeine boost, strong hi-test Greek coffee and icy frappés are on tap, best enjoyed with a crunchy Greek biscotti.
But it’s more than just food, it’s a full cultural experience. Under the outdoor taverna tent, live Greek music and traditional folk dance performances will fill the air throughout the weekend. Visitors can even join in during a folk dancing lesson on Saturday.
The celebration also includes:
- Church tours, offering a look at the ongoing iconography project and a deeper understanding of Orthodox Christian traditions.
- A vibrant Greek marketplace, where patrons can shop for handmade gifts, jewelry, clothing, books, and imported Greek goods.
- Educational exhibits and displays of Greek history and religious art.
“We are excited and eager to once again celebrate our Greek culture and heritage with our community,” said Manolakos.
Attendance and parking are free at the festival, with complimentary shuttle service provided from nearby school parking lots.
Whether you come for the food, stay for the music, or tour the historic sanctuary, St. Sophia’s Greek Cultural Festival is a celebration of heritage, hospitality, and heart, and everyone is invited.
Video Transcript
Vinaya Johnson: Inside the kitchen at Saint Sophia’s, volunteers are hard at work preparing one of the city’s most beloved cultural celebrations.
Peter Manolakos: Most of it is all made here. Ladies. Not just the ladies. People make it. And it’s an enormous amount of work.
Johnson: Traditional pita bread is baked on site, warm and ready to be shared. And no Greek celebration is complete without pastries. Many are made from recipes passed down for generations. It’s not just the food, it’s a showcase of Greek culture and history, from ancient art to the spiritual home of the festival. Saint Sophia’s Greek Orthodox Church. Behind the scenes, teams of volunteers are making it all happen. Marianna Politis is one of many keeping this tradition alive. Sharing what goes into intense planning behind the scenes.
Marianna Politis: We don’t stop planning. There’s a lot of thought and energy that goes into it. We start staging it by March. Ordering, prepping. There’s different committees for each section that they meet all year round to make sure that everything is executed accordingly, that we have everything on hand. If we need anything, we need to, get ahead of it and start ordering it.
Johnson: Beyond the food and fun, visitors can take a piece of Greece home. From imported olive oils to handmade gifts. It’s a celebration of culture, faith and community right here in the heart of Syracuse.