Photo credit – Cait Crudden
The Port Jefferson Greek Festival made a triumphant return this past weekend, drawing a massive turnout of residents and visitors from across Long Island. Hosted at the Greek Orthodox Church in Port Jefferson that borders Setauket, the festival celebrated Greek culture with a blend of traditional music, dancing, delicious food, and unique artisan vendors, making it a highlight of the summer season for the local community.
As always, the food was the star of the show at the Port Jefferson Greek Festival. Attendees were treated to an array of authentic Greek dishes that had them coming back for more. The savory aroma of gyros and souvlaki cooking on the grill filled the air, enticing guests to indulge in the festival’s culinary delights. These popular dishes, served with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, were a big hit among festival-goers.
No Greek festival would be complete without its famous desserts, and Port Jefferson did not disappoint. Baklava, a sweet pastry made of layers of filo dough filled with nuts and honey, was a crowd favorite. In addition to baklava, there were other traditional Greek sweets, such as loukoumades (Greek donuts drizzled with honey) and galaktoboureko (a custard-filled dessert). Greek salads with fresh feta cheese and olives provided a refreshing, lighter option, perfectly balancing the rich flavors of the other offerings.
The festival was alive with the sounds of traditional Greek music, which played throughout the event, creating a festive and joyful atmosphere. Live bands performed a mix of classic Greek songs and modern hits, encouraging attendees to dance along. Crowds gathered in front of the stage to watch and participate in traditional Greek dances, with many joining hands to form circles and lines, moving to the rhythm of the music.
Friday night’s festivities concluded with a spectacular fireworks display that lit up the night sky, much to the delight of onlookers. Families and friends gathered on blankets and lawn chairs to watch the show, which served as a dazzling end to an evening filled with entertainment and cultural celebration.
The festival also featured a marketplace with a wide variety of vendors offering an assortment of handcrafted goods and unique items. Stalls were filled with jewelry, handmade bags, cutting boards, and pieces of art that showcased the talent and creativity of local artisans. Festival-goers browsed the vendors’ booths, picking out one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts. The marketplace provided an excellent opportunity for local craftspeople to display their work and for attendees to support small businesses.
Assemblyman Ed Flood (R-Port Jefferson Station) even enjoyed the festivities over the weekend.
“I had a great time this past Sunday stopping down at the Greek Festival in Setauket. The energy was great, the food was fantastic, I got to speak to many constituents, overall, it was amazing!” said Flood.
The Port Jefferson Greek Festival has become a beloved tradition, eagerly anticipated by residents and visitors alike. It provides a chance for the community to come together, celebrate Greek heritage, and enjoy a weekend of family-friendly fun. Organizers were thrilled with this year’s turnout, noting that the large crowds and positive feedback are a testament to the festival’s enduring popularity.
As the weekend ended, attendees left with full stomachs, happy hearts, and memories of another successful Port Jefferson Greek Festival. With its vibrant celebration of Greek culture, the festival continues to be a cornerstone of the summer events calendar in Port Jefferson, promising more fun, food, and festivities in the years ahead.
