Get ready to eat, dance and say ‘Opa!’ — the Saint Demetrios Greek Wine and Food Festival is back next weekend for its fall iteration, and anyone is invited to take a culinary trip to the Mediterranean without ever leaving the state.
Hosted by Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, a fixture of the Upper Darby community since 1942, the celebration is set to run for three days from Friday, Nov. 6, through Sunday, Nov. 8. While here, food will be in heavy supply with a lineup of Greek street-food favorites and home-cooked specialties inspired by recipes passed down through generations.
Festivalgoers can also indulge in homemade pastries, including baklava and other delicacies from across Greece. For those looking to bring the flavors home, the marketplace, known as a "bakaliko", will offer cookies, treats and specialty goods sourced from the country as well.
At the festival, guests can also sample Greek wines, beer and spirits, or check out traditional Greek dance groups from across the tri-state area. Families can also explore a dedicated children’s play section and activities designed for kids of all ages.
The St. Demetrios Greek Festival has been part of Upper Darby’s history for more than 50 years, growing from its early days at Rose Tree Park and Beverly Hills Middle School into a larger celebration on the parish grounds in 1980. Originally known as the Upper Darby Hellenic Festival, the event adopted the new name of Greek Festival in 1987, but its mission has remained the same — sharing Greek heritage, faith and hospitality. Behind it all are generations of parishioners and volunteers who spend hours preparing recipes for the event annually.
As the official site notes: “The festival sustains our mission. While the atmosphere is festive, the impact is spiritual. The proceeds are used to perpetuate the holy mission of St. Demetrios: preaching the Gospel, maintaining our historic sanctuary, and—most importantly—forming our youth in the faith and traditions of the Orthodox Church. Our spiritual gifts are made possible through these material means, allowing us to offer the Grace of the Church to all who seek it.”
The Saint Demetrios Greek Wine and Food Festival will take place at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, located at 229 Powell Lane in Upper Darby.
Hours are Friday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 7, from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 8, from noon to 8 p.m.
To learn more, visit udgreekfest.com
MORE: Check out these gluten-free Italian feasts in South Philly
