Yiasou Greek Festival

​This is my third year living in Charlotte, my second year attending the Yiasou Greek Festival https://yiasoufestival.org/.  I enjoy the festival because I get to learn about and experience the Greek culture through food, cooking classes, witnessing the traditional dances, and through browsing the many vendors who display traditional jewelry and other items. The book store is also fascinating. This is where you’ll find reading materials, incense, cookbooks, children’s book, etc.

Baklava

Spanakopita

Greek Fries

Cooking Demo

Kourabiethes Recipe

Kourabithes

​My favorite food offerings so far have been the baklava, the spanakopita, and the Loukamades. Baklava, a desert pasty, deliciously layered balance of sweet, savory flavors, is my must have food item of the festival. The sweetness is just enough and the spice of the clove is surprising in a good way. Sweetness and spiciness vary by recipe. Here, you will find the taste of cloves to be at the forefront. It’s not overpowering, just enough to counteract the sweetness of the honey. Spanakopita or spinach pie is my next favorite. They wrap the spinach and feta cheese in flaky phyllo. It’s warm, creamy,  flaky, and just perfect! Last but not least, I suggest you try the Loukamades! Loukamades means fried dough. Every form of fried dough that I’ve experienced has proven to be a winner. And this fried dough is drizzled with honey!

The Yiasou Greek Festival is a highly anticipated event in Charlotte. Mark your calendar for the weekend after Labor Day!