The Do's and Don'ts of the Richmond Greek Festival - Richmond, VA

If your taste buds have had a hankering for Greek food lately, they are in luck!

(Do you like how I incorporated the word "hankering"? You don't hear that one everyday. You're welcome.)

The Richmond Greek Festival begins today at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral, and just like it has done for 38 years now, it will feature all of your favorites- everything from baklava to pastichio.


Greek food lovers don't mind waiting in long lines!


However, before you head out to "get your Greek on", here are a few simple do's and don'ts, courtesy of yours truly.

1. Do step outside the "food" box and try something new.

If you're like me, you sometimes get stuck in a cuisine conundrum. You see something on the menu that looks tasty, yet you don't know if it really is. So, after a few minutes of morphing into a sweaty ball of anxiety while holding up the food line, you order the same ol' foods you've been ordering for years because you know how it taste and you know you won't be disappointed. This year, sample of a new dish. It's a festival for goodness sake! I think I'll try the Moussaka!

2. Don't be in a rush.

The crowd for the 4-day festival grows each year by the thousands, so you won't be alone. Lines will be long. Someone may step on your toes. You may not be able to park as close to the festival as you would like. Don't worry. Keep your 'tude calm, eat a galaktoboureko, and have a Coke and a smile.

3. Do learn how to pronounce the names of foods, or at least make an effort.

"Gyro" is pronounced Yee-roh, not Jie-roh.

It's not easy for our American tongues to say words like "Finikia" or "Spanokopita". However, organizers have provided a culinary guide for us. Look over it. A lot of the words are actually fun to say. My favorite? Loukoumades! Correct pronunciations (or as close as possible) may help workers get your food faster because they understand what you're saying. In return, this helps to move the line along faster. It also makes the workers smile to know that you at least tried to learn how to say the dishes. Who knows? One of them may reward you with some extra food!

4. Don't hold up the line.

In addition to learning how to pronounce the names on the menu, take a little time to decide what you want to eat.(You can even log on to the festival's website to check out the menu!) However, don't choose to do this at the front of the line with hundreds of people behind you. At least narrow it down to two choices, ask the worker which one is best, and then proceed to order from there. The rest of us in line (who are starving) will thank you for this!

5. Do experience other aspects of the festival.

Inside of Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

The Greek Festival offers more than food. Learn more about Greek culture by watching traditional Hellenic dances performed by the church's dance troupes. Explore the history of the Eastern Orthodox Church through tours of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral. (This church is beautiful!) Tours are offered several hours each day of the festival. Discover unique wares provided by a variety of vendors, selling everything from art and clothing to jewelry and music. Take it all in!

6. Don't try to bargain.

While you are "taking in" everything the vendors have to sell, don't try to negotiate "better deals". It's considered rude to try to bargain in Greece (in most locations, not all), and it's considered rude to try it here at the Greek Festival. If you do, don't be surprised if you get the "stink eye."

7. Do cheer on the dancers.

These youngsters have spent hours since September learning traditional Greek dances to entertain the masses, and it's not easy to get up in front of such a crowd to perform. Encourage them, and have fun while doing it!

8. Don't try to join the dancers (unless invited).

Encouraging the dancers does not mean getting on stage and dancing like no one's watching. We are watching, and it's not cute, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Leave the traditional dancing to the pros.

9. Do dress for the weather.

NBC 12 meteorologists say to expect temperatures in the 90s throughout the weekend. It's going to be hot and humid! Think cool when it comes to your attire - shorts, sandals, tank tops - you get the idea. Also, stay hydrated. Drink lots of water and don't forget to wear sunscreen.

10. Don't show up naked.

While it's expected to be hot, it's not THAT hot. Dress appropriately, especially if you plan to tour the cathedral.

Here's another extra "do": Do "like" the Richmond Greek Festival on Facebook, and keep up with all of the latest festival news as it happens!


Be sure to sample ALL of the pastries! Delicious!


If you go, let me know what dish (or dishes) you enjoyed! Enjoy the festival, my friends!

Opa!