Welcome to Oakland’s Greek Festival 2025!
Is that time of year when the wonderful aromas of Souvlakia and Loukoumades waft through the air and the sounds of traditional Greek music and shouts of “Opa!” resonate in the hills of Oakland. The Oakland Greek Festival 2025 is thrilled to welcome YOU, once again, and celebrate our 53rd year! What would Oakland’s Greek Festival be without the many people from our community who come to enjoy all the treats for the ears, and eyes and stomach? It is with great joy and excitement that we invite you to experience our Greek culture this weekend.
In 1972, the Festival’s founding committee put together an event in the hopes of keeping the Traditions and their Religion alive and strong in the hearts of their children. Little did they know that over 50 years later this festival would be a stage to share our vibrant culture, savory food, and trusted religion with our greater Bay Area community. With this Festival, we are bringing Greece to YOU!
Some say that the Greeks are more hospitable than can be imagined. We rarely let you leave our homes without third or even fourth helpings of food. It is this giving spirit that makes our Festival come alive!
You will enjoy the “True Greek Experience” through the sight of our young and old working side by side, our children filled with joy to dance for you, and our experienced yiayias (grandmothers) offering you a taste of traditional spanakopita (spinach pie) and their favorite pastry recipes from their homeland.
Food is an important part of the Greek Culture. We eat when we are happy, we eat when we are sad, and we eat just because… but the most important thing is that we eat
together. With all of the food we offer, you will simply have to eat your way from one end of our Festival to another. We have put our heart, soul, and favorite Greek seasonings into our many delicious foods for you. From gyros and lamb sandwiches to wine and Frappe beverages, we want you to taste Greece!
Music drives the Greeks in every aspect of our lives. From the upbeat, toe-tapping sounds of the Bouzouki, to the soothing yet powerful Hymns of the Church, you will find each sound intoxicating. Greece will be evident throughout the Festival with our live music that will enchant you and bring out the inner Greek dancer, or you may choose to watch one of our many Greek dancing groups perform traditional village dances.
With everything that we do in our lives, the world of the Greeks revolve around our rock… The Greek Orthodox Religion. The heart and soul of our Festival is the Cathedral itself. Both literally and metaphorically, the Cathedral serves as the center foundation of our religious community. We invite you to tour our beautiful Cathedral and marvel at the wonders that it offers. With church tours regularly, feel free to inquire about Orthodoxy with our clergy.
What makes this Festival so special is that you will have an opportunity to experience the best of Greece with its natives, your friends and neighbors. We invite you to celebrate our own Greek culture with us while enjoying the breathtaking views of the bay! We hope that you leave feeling a little more “Greek” than when you arrived. Opa!!
Efharisto poli (Thank you very much), Yianni Limnios • Alexis Lagios • Sofo Kyriakopedi Co-Chairs • Oakland Greek Festival 2025
2633 Camino Ramon, Suite 525 San Ramon, CA 94583 925-866-4600 • demetrios@nyl.com
Square was temporarily renamed Constitution Square, and events highlighting the coming festival were held, all of which culminated in two days of food, dance, and festivities!
Ascension’s Panhellenic Dancers’ Chris Constantouros hangs the Constitution Square sign in Jack London Square. AHS
Photo: May 1972.
As you join us for this year’s festival, our 53rd year, we encourage you to eat delicious food, dance with us, and take some time to find the historical reminders from years past.
Effie Moon and Dimi Victor sample Greek cuisine under the watchful eye of Chef Dino Polyzos who heads a team of 22 cooks as they prepare for thousands of guests who will attend the Greek Week Food Festival at the Oakland Auditorium. PHOTO COURTESY AHS, May 1972
Learn more about Ascension’s rich history by visiting ascensionhistoricalsociety.org or capture the QR code with your phone camera to take you there directly.
From left to right in photo: Harry Greer Owner/Funeral Director (FDR-745), Linda Ratto, Jon Hayes, Steve Miller, Rosa Ellen. Not pictured: Erika Cisneros and Benedetto E. Ratto, III.
Greek Orthodox Memorial Park
WHY CHOOSE THIS CEMETERY WHEN THERE ARE MANY OTHER CEMETERIES?
Steve Doukas,Manager
Will you choose to have your deceased family member’s bodies spend their “intermediate state,” until the General Resurrection, among family and friends of the Orthodox Faith, or with strangers?
This Cemetery is YOUR Cemetery, as it is the only one in the United States designed ONLY for our Eastern Orthodox Faith. Since its inception in 1939, this Cemetery has remained exclusive to our Faith.
Other non-Orthodox, non-Christian cemeteries have created Orthodox “sections,” only to later open their sections to any religion, even to agnostics, atheists and Satanists, when their sales in that Orthodox “section” decline. Your Cemetery supports our Faith and our Church with annual donations. For more information and for the history of this Cemetery, please go to www.greekorthodoxmemorialpark.com
Mausoleum or ground burial services provided. Church services available on our grounds. Each burial space is protected by Trust Funds. The only consecrated Greek Orthodox Memorial Park in the United States.
Office: 650-755-6939
Fax: 650-755-6109
greekorthodoxmp@aol.com
Remarkable Architecture
What You Can Find at the Festival
Oakland is home to one of the most exquisite modern Byzantine Church structures in the world. Visitors come from all over to see the synthesis of Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Modern architecture forms. Tours are given daily (see page 13), plus each day the Ascension Liturgical Choir augments the tour with Church hymns.
Tasty Treats
Strolling along the festival grounds, you can enjoy the tantalizing aromas of Souvlakia (chicken or pork shish kebobs cooked to order), Barbecued Leg of Lamb Sandwiches (they are delicious) and Loukaniko (Greek sausage with just a hint of orange).
Calamari is another tasty and tender treat that is prepared to order and served hot.
Also try the always-popular Tiganites Patates (fries) located in the Calamari booth.
The Spanakopita and Tiropita booth remain the perfect Orektika or appetizers. They are filo pastry filled with feta and spinach or feta and cottage cheese. Served piping hot out of the oven, they are delectable. This year, this popular booth will also offer a sweet custard-filled favorite, Bougatsa
PERIPTERO: The Little Greek Market
Inspired by Greece's iconic corner kiosk
More than just a mini market, the periptero is woven into the fabric of Greek life.
Located directly across from the Spanakopita, Tiropita, Bougatsa Booth.
The most popular and largest booth remains the Gyro booth, which serves roughly 6,000 pita-filled delights. Tender, perfectly grilled spicy beef is piled on pita bread and topped with tomatoes, onions and delicious homemade Tzatziki, a yogurt and cucumber sauce with dashes of special seasonings. Prepared to order, the gyros have been called the finest in the Bay Area.
Halloumi is a Greek-Cypriot cheese that is delicate in flavor and texture, but perfect for grilling and topped with a caper sauce served on pita bread – a real delicacy for the discriminating palate. Another festival favorite is Saganaki, a special Kefalograviera cheese imported from Greece. The cheese is grilled and flambéed with brandy as the spectators shout “Opa!”
Complete your feast with our delicious Loukoumades and homemade Greek pastries in the Kefenion or take them to go!
BY
NEW BOOTH ALERT!
PHOTO
Live Music to Entertain You
Throughout the festival, attendees can hear the pulsating sounds of Greek folk music that make the feet fly and heart light. Meet our musicians! Please turn to page 16.
Friday
Platia Stage | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
HELIOS GREEK BAND featuring Irene Mavroudis, Michael Garibaldi, Greg Jenkins, George Mavroudis, Michael Mavroudis, Lefteri Tsacle
Taverna Stage | 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
KYMATA with GEORGE MYLORDOS on Bouzouki and Maria Arizu, Kostas Papamichael, Stamatis Houliaras
Saturday
Platia Stage | 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
MYTHOS BAND featuring Sylvia Kalivitis, Bobby Kalivitis, Dionysios Deloukas, Will Kouvaris, Evan Veloudis
Taverna Stage | 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
KYMATA with GEORGE MYLORDOS on Bouzouki and Maria Arizu, Kostas Papamichael, Stamatis Houliaras
Sunday
Platia Stage | 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
MYTHOS BAND featuring Sylvia Kalivitis, Bobby Kalivitis, Dionysios Deloukas, Will Kouvaris, Evan Veloudis
Taverna Stage | 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
HELIOS GREEK BAND featuring Irene Mavroudis, Michael Garibaldi, Greg Jenkins, George Mavroudis, Michael Mavroudis, Lefteri Tsacle
Do You Have A Festival Gift Coupon?
To redeem your $15, please take your coupon to the CASHIER BOOTH to exchange for a gift card which is accepted throughout the festival. Please note that the coupons can only be exchanged at this booth.
Accepting Credit/Debit Cards At All Our Booths
In order to make your experience at the Oakland Greek Festival as easy as possible we accept credit and debit cards at all booths, entrances, and in the dining room. Festival Gift Cards will be available for purchase with cash or check for those who prefer. This card can be used at any of our festival booths.
Live Greek Music
Featured on the Platia Stage and in the Taverna
The festival offers a variety of exciting Greek music all weekend long on the Platia and Taverna Stages.
Kicking off the weekend are the HELIOS GREEK BAND on the Platia Stage Friday and the Taverna Stage on Sunday.
HELIOS features vocalist Irene Mavroudis with Michael Garibaldi, Greg Jenkins, George Mavroudis, Michael Mavroudis, and Lefteri Tsacle. Visit heliosgreekband.com.
KYMATA featuring the bouzouki artistry of George Mylordos, appear Friday and Saturday on the Taverna Stage. Joining Mylordos are vocalist Maria Arizou, Kostas Papamichael and Stamatis Houliaras.
Returning to the Festival on the Platia Stage Saturday and Sunday are the exciting sounds of the MYTHOS BAND. This south county-based band features vocalists Sylvia Kalivitis and Dionysios Deloukas, Bobby Kalivitis on bouzouki with Will Kouvaris, and Evan Veloudis. Visit facebook.com/BandMythos.
Grab a Greek beer or a glass of Greek wine with some Halloumi cheese and then dance like Zorba! Yiamas!
IN THE BEST CIRCLES Greeks Dance
It has been said that, “Greeks dance in the best circles.” At the Oakland Greek Festival, everyone is Greek and the circles of dancers grow wider and wider as you join someone’s hand and follow along. After circling two or three times you will have mastered the steps and shared your joy!
Greek Folk Dance Performances on the Windmill Plaza
Six Ascension dance troupes present Greek folk dance performances throughout the threeday Festival at the Windmill Plaza. See page 13 for performance times.
The Ascension Cathedral dance troupes comprise over 100 dancers. The dancers range in age from four to 50+ years old.
Continued on page 20
Greeks dance in the best circles…
Meraki - (doing something with total love) Our youngest dancers who are in TK and Kindergarten. The focus is learning the basics of Greek dancing. This is their debut performance at the festival. They are as cute as can be and will warm your hearts with their smile. Be the first to watch their first performance this weekend! Opa!
Koinonia (Fellowship) Our 1st - 3rd graders are performing for the second time at the festival. Their enthusiasm and love for dancing shows in every step they make. They received a 2nd Place Medal at our annual Folk Dance & Choral Competition (FDF) this year. Come cheer them on this weekend.
Aionia (Eternity) - Our 4th – 6th graders love to dance and put on a good show. Their energy and kefi (spirit) will be sure to put a smile on your face. They received The Founders Award at our annual dance competition. The beautiful costumes they are wearing were made in Greece. This group also won the Instrumental Award for all of Division II. Come watch one of their powerful performances this weekend!
Anagenisis (New Beginning) – Our 7th - 9th dance group has been working on their amazing performance and is sure to warm our hearts with their enthusiastic dancing. This group won 4th place in their division this year. The beautiful costumes they are wearing were handmade in Greece. Come watch their crowd-pleasing performances this weekend!
DISCOVER
RELEASES RECORDED LIVE AT THE ASCENSION CATHEDRAL
The Divine Liturgy with Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Paris of Ascension Cathedral from 1984 Release Date: 8/15/21
Perecles Music was created to preserve the original vinyl recordings as well as new works in the spirit of impresario and devoted Greek Orthodox musician, choral director, and producer Perecles "Perry" P. Phillips.
Launched in 2013 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of the monumental 1979 recording project HOLY WEEK & EASTER EXCERPTS, the new CD version was distributed digitally and continues to reach the global market. Conceived, produced and directed by Phillips, you will find the extensive history of that effort included throughout our website.
Eternal Memory Greek Orthodox Hymns & Sacred Music Offered in Memoriam Release Date: 6/5/21
Holy Week & Easter Excerpts
ETERNAL MEMORY Greek Orthodox Hymns & Sacred Music Offered in Memoriam was recently released and produced by Phillips’ daughter Frosene. The recording is offered to provide such hymns and music for memorial and funeral services, and other spiritual occasions. Since Covid, the additional need for such music in cathedrals, churches, funeral homes, and more has arisen.
Finally, additional recordings of the DIVINE LITURGY with Rev. Fr. Thomas J. Paris and the Ascension Cathedral Liturgical Choir from 1984 is now available as well as other recordings from the award winning Ascension Cathedral in Oakland.
Greek Orthodox Church Music & Sacred Works CD and digital downloads
Providing Greek Language, History and Cultural Programs
Founded in 2006, Fanari Academy is an independent educational institute providing Greek language, history and culture programs to children and adults with both beginner and advanced tracks tailored to level of knowledge.
Available Programs
• Modern Greek for Children – Pre-K through 10th Grade
• Two Programs – Based on Level of Fluency
• Modern Greek for Adults
• Conversational Greek and Drama Programs
• Preparation for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek Language
2025 OAKLAND GREEK FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
Co-Chairs
Yanni Limnios
Alexis Lagios
Sofo Kyriakopedi Committee
Tula Asselanis
Mailana Broumand | George Banis
George Landis | Stephen Miller
Christos Nikoloutsopoulos
Julia Pappas | Frosene Phillips
Karen Kolokithas | Brian Samoulides
Basilios Sotiropulos | John Tzagarakis
Alexia Victor | Anna Victor
John Victor | Sia Yvantis
Johnny Yiannakopoulos
Welcome to Kokkari. Immerse yourself in another world. Watch today’s roast slowly turning in our fireplace. Have a seat and enjoy Greek cuisine as it was meant to be: made from the freshest local ingredients, accompanied by excellent, carefully selected wines, and served with traditional Greek hospitality.
