Houston Greek Fest 2024 returns for its 25th celebration after hiatus

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — For five years, one of Houston’s most beloved celebrations went dark because of COVID-19.

Thursday, the Houston Greek Festival will make its triumphant return to west Houston, with three days of festivities planned through Saturday.

Organizer Damon Diamantaras said the festival established itself as one of the city’s biggest spring events as early as 1996.

“It’s just for us to show people a taste of Greek culture,” Diamantaras said. “We try to do all these things that will make you feel like you’re in Greece, at least for a few hours.”

St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church will be transformed into a giant festival space, welcoming visitors to experience Greek food and pastries, cultural dances, children’s activities and a Greek merchandise shop.

Tickets are available online on HoustonGreekFest.com. You can also get free admission by bringing three canned goods per person to support Houstonians in need.

PHOTOS: A look at the Houston Greek Fest

Previously, the festival attracted more than 15,000 people, then the pandemic hit.

After canceling the 2020 festival due to rising COVID-19 infections, organizers spent the next few years thinking about how — and when — to reemerge.

“The community really wanted us to bring it back, and we heard everyone loud and clear,” Diamantaras said.

Over the past five months, a team of leaders has taken on the responsibility of planning a festival that typically takes a year to produce. But Diamantaras said seasoned visitors to the Houston Greek Festival will likely find the celebration picks up where it left off.

In addition to the carnival rides and all that delicious Greek food, the festival will also see the return of its popular dance program, including the Zorba the Greek dance competition.

“There’s something for everyone,” Diamantaras said.

The festival is dedicated to sharing the rich heritage and traditions of Hellenic culture, with proceeds benefiting the Target Hunger Food Bank and the outreach ministries of St. Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church.

Saint Basil the Great Greek Orthodox Church is located at 1100 Eldridge Parkway in Houston.

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