Yassou Festival Continues Today
Traditional Greek Dancers perform in 2024 at the Yassou Festival. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky
A group of female friends enjoyed some Greek cuisine in 2024 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Fest, located at 15 Francis St.
A big top tent houses the 40th Annual Yassou Festival in 2024, which continues today at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 15 Francis St. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
Traditional Greek Dancers perform in 2024 at the Yassou Festival. P-J photo by Michael Zabrodsky
A group of female friends enjoyed some Greek cuisine in 2024 at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church’s Greek Fest, located at 15 Francis St.
A big top tent houses the 40th Annual Yassou Festival in 2024, which continues today at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, 15 Francis St. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee
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Yassou is a traditional Greek greeting meaning hello or goodbye. Coincidentally, it is also the name of a cultural and culinary celebration in Jamestown.
The Yassou Greek Fest, organized by St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church located at 15 Francis St., is celebrating its 41st year. The festival will continue today from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
According to the information provided by stnicholasjamestown.org, this year's festival will showcase an array of traditional Greek cuisine and pastries, including George's Famous Greek Hot Dogs. Additionally, attendees can look forward to a Greek-style coffee station, a beer tent, a boutique offering various Greek items, and live performances featuring Greek bouzouki music accompanied by traditional Greek dancing. The festival will also include guided tours of the church and a selection of other Greek-themed products and merchandise or wares for sale.
The festival features an array of delicious Greek-themed food offerings, including Lamb Shank, Souvlaki (chicken), Gyros, Keftedes (Greek meatballs served with a Greek salad), Greek hot dogs, Spanakopita (a pastry filled with spinach and feta cheese), Baklava, Kourambiedes (butter cookies dusted with powdered sugar), Koulourakia (twisted butter cookies), Sweet Bread, and more.
The Greek Fest is a widely celebrated event known for its vibrant atmosphere and delicious food, drawing in large crowds each year. As the festival approaches, many enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the chance to enjoy traditional Greek cuisine, lively music, and engaging cultural displays.
"I can't wait for the fest," said Alvaro Ibanez-Morales, a native of the Dominican Republic and resident of Jamestown. "I've gone to the event for the past three years. I never thought I'd like Greek food, but the lamb -how do you say it -gyro, with the special sauce on it, yum."
The love of sharing Greek culture, as demonstrated by the church leadership and congregants, is equally on display.
"I love this event," said the Rev. Father Soterios Rousakis, the church's presiding priest, in 2024. "We get to share our Greek culture – by food, music, and dance and we get to share our faith through the church tours we offer. This program is open to the public, and all are welcome."
For more information, visit stnicholasjamestown.org, call 716) 483-0022, or visit the church's official Facebook page.