The Yiasou Greek Festival began in 1978 and since then has become one of
Charlotte’s largest cultural events. It is eagerly anticipated by the Charlotte community
each year. Yiasou (the Greek word for Hello, Goodbye and Cheers) Greek
Festival features Hellenic cultural exhibits, authentic Greek cuisine
and pastries, entertainment, art, shopping and more. Experience the sights
and sounds of Greece when you visit the 32nd Annual Yiasou Greek Festival.
It's a time of the year when everyone can be Greek!
The Yiasou Festival has been honored to receive several awards over recent years including:
• Best International Event - Charlotte Magazine in 2009
• Best International Festival - Charlotte Magazine in 2005
• The Best of Charlotte Award for Best Festival in 2004 - Creative Loafing
• One of Charlotte's Best Festivals in 2003 by Charlotte Observer readers
• Best Ethnic Festival of 2004, 2003 and 2000 - Creative Loafing
• Best Ethnic Festival of 1999 - Charlotte Magazine
Featured attractions this year include:
Palace Guards. For the first time in Yiasou Greek Festival
history, witness the Ezvones (Presidential Guards) as they reenact the Changing
of the Guards and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This popular tourist
attraction takes place in Athens daily in front of the Greek Parliament Building
at Syndagma Square and commemorates all of the anonymous Greek soldiers that
have fallen in battlefield. Details...
Classical Greek Culture Lectures. Dale Grote, Professor of Classics at
UNC Charlotte will be joining us this year for a series of lectures on various
topics of classical Greek culture. Details...
Greek Cultural Exhibit. One of the
largest local collections on display, the Greek Cultural Exhibit will
feature artifacts such as Greco-Roman spearheads and coins dating back
to 500 BC and a living history presentation “Warriors of Greece”. Witness
Greece’s most celebrated fighters, the elite Spartans in person. Experience
the history and heritage of Ancient Sparta, and see why the Spartans
were the most formidable warriors of all times. Also on display
are artifacts and items illustrating the culture of the small villages
of Greece, and interesting facts about the Greek language which is the
origin of many words.
Festival hours:
• 11 am to 9 pm Thursday, Sept. 9th
• 11 am to 10 pm Friday, Sept. 10th
• 11 am to 10 pm Saturday, Sept. 11th
• 12 noon to 8 pm on Sunday, Sept. 12th
•Admission is $2.00. Children 12 and under are admitted free, accompanied
by a parent or guardian.
•School groups and senior citizens groups can make arrangements for free
admission by contacting Helen Karras at the church office at 704-334-4771 by
Thursday, August 27th.
