Celebrating Greek Culture and Traditions in Rhode Island by Julia Romano
Officially known as the Hellenic Republic, Greece is a mountainous peninsula located in southeastern Europe, between the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. With a landmass of 51,000 square miles, Greece is bordered to the north by Bulgaria and Macedonia. Nearly 2,000 islands surround its eastern, southern, and western borders. The nine major land areas that constitute Greece include Central Pindus, Thessaly, the Salonika Plain, Macedonia/Thrace, Peloponnesus, the Southeastern Uplands, the Ionian Islands, the Aegean Islands, and Crete. The capital city, Athens, and the cities of Thessaloniki (Salonika), Patras, Volos, and Larissa have the largest populations in Greece, which has a total population of approximately ten million. Ninety-seven percent of the ethnically and linguistically homogeneous nation speaks Greek, and one percent, Turkish. The Eastern Orthodox church is the dominant religion; only about 1.5 percent of the population is Muslim, and a small percentage is Roman Catholic, Greek Catholic, or Jewish.
For more than two generations, the Cranston Greek Festival has been held on the church grounds, the weekend after Labor Day. The Festival marks the “Official End of Summer in Rhode Island.” Thousands of people will visit the Cranston Greek Festival over the course of this exciting three-day event of Food, Fun, Greek Dancing, Greek Religion, and Greek Culture. Learn about classic Greek attire, traditions, and cuisine that prominently reign at the Pawtucket Greek Festival. Homemade pita, sweet Greek pastries, and fresh Greek salads are just a few of your food offerings. When you are done eating, grab a unique Greek coffee or a drink and check out the dances or the all Greek marketplace.
Traditionally, Greeks referred to themselves as “Hellenes” and to the country of Greece as “Hellas.” The word “Greek” comes from the Latin Graeci, a name given to the people of this region by the Romans. Rhode Island Celebrations of Greek Traditions According to 2019 census data, there were approximately 530,418 Greek people residing in the United States, and Rhode Island is home to about 2,950. Each year in Little Rhody, the culture and traditions of Greek people are celebrated with authentic Greek food, traditional costumes, and music and dance, all with pride and honor. Join in the festivals and have fun learning about Greek culture and all its contributions to the world. Assumption of the Virgin Mary Greek Orthodox Church Annual Festival 97 Walcott St., Pawtucket Free Admission /Free Parking Friday, August 19th - 5pm -10pm Saturday, August 20th - 12pm-10pm Sunday, August 21st - 12pm-9pm
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The renowned Greek Pride Dance Troupe, known throughout New England as “the best”- will perform Traditional and Modern Greek dances throughout the Festival. They will dress in traditional costumes representing the various regions of Greece: Villages, Islands, and Mountain regions. The dance troupe will be performing: Friday - 7pm, Saturday & Sunday - 4pm & 7pm The dancers will guide everyone through the traditional Greek dances to the rhythm of a live Greek band. Don’t be shy to participate and try out the dance steps!
