The Greeks of Belmont, California Invite Everyone to Say OPA!

The Greeks of Belmont, California have organized a big Greek party for Sept. 1-3 with a series of events and lots of Greek fare. According to organizers, whether you shout the joyful Greek expression OPA! or not, you will be welcomed with plenty of warm Greek hospitality, as well as an abundance of Greek food and entertainment, at the 42nd Annual Belmont Greek Festival in the mid-Peninsula, Labor Day weekend, at the Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Cross, 900 Alameda de las Pulgas, at the corner of Ralston Avenue.

The three-day Belmont Greek Festival is expected to draw nearly 20,000 visitors for the homemade Greek meals, specially-prepared desserts, non-stop entertainment and children’s amusement area. “We love to offer our hospitality and share the Greek culture with our guests,” said Festival Chairman Michael Malekos. “When we shout, ‘Opa!’ it’s a way of saying that we’re happy, and we’re grateful to God and to everyone around us for the joy that we’re feeling,” Malekos said.

Festival menu items include barbecued lamb chops (with special Greek seasonings,) souvlakia (Greek shish-kebab,) spanakopita (spinach and cheese stuffed inside layers of filo pastry) and dolmades (grape leaves wrapped around ground beef and rice.) There will also be traditional homemade Greek pastries such as loukoumades, baklava, and galactobouriko.

On the plaka, or central plaza, visitors will enjoy continuous music from a Greek band so they can dance the traditional kalamatiano, tsamiko, zeimbekiko and other Greek dances. Other festival highlights will include the agora (flea market), art, clothing, jewelry and gift boutiques, cooking demonstrations, religious icons and a bookstore.

The Church of the Holy Cross supports many charitable groups throughout San Mateo County, and each year donates a portion of the festival proceeds to several local charities. For more information, continue exploring this website, or call (650) 591-4447. And don’t forget to tell them, ‘Opa!’