The community of Saint Dimitrios in Astoria has already begun the preparations for the 47th Greek Festival which will take place on May 20-23, 2021.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival will operate by online ordering and curbside pickup.
In a conversation with anamniseis.net, the President of the Community, Anastasios Chrysanthopoulos, pointed out that this was one of the largest festivals in Queens, which provides the opportunity for Diaspora Greeks and other Astorians to enjoy Greek hospitality and get to know Greek gastronomy and traditions.
Last year, as it is known, the festival was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas this year the priests, the community council, the Philoptochos Society, and other bodies, as Chrysanthopoulos pointed out, have raised the standards and will offer unique delicacies.
The souvlaki, the kontosouvli, the roast lamb, the gyros, the pastitsio, the moussaka, the Greek salad, and other traditional dishes will be prepared by the community executives and volunteers. Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious loukoumades and other traditional sweets.
Following the tradition of previous years, the community issued $ 10 worth of lotteries each and chose a different way of drawing. The lottery was traditionally held on the last day of the festival, as there was an amusement park and everyone was waiting for the moment of the draw which marked the end of the festival.
Due to the pandemic and to avoid overcrowding, the festival organizing committee decided to give away only $ 1,000 cash prizes which will be awarded to those who have the three lucky numbers of WIN 3 of the day.
The festival will begin with the sanctification rite on Thursday, May 20, 2021, from 17.00 until 23:00, on Friday, May 21 (17.00-23.00), Saturday, May 22 (13.00-23.00) and will end on Sunday, May 23 (13.00-23.00)
Asked about the volunteers, Anastasios Chrysanthopoulos pointed out that the festival relied on volunteer work and provided the opportunity to three generations of volunteers to offer their services and contribute to the success of the event.
The organizing committee created the website of the festival through which Diaspora Greeks and Astorians will be able to choose the menu and order food for their families and friends.
Proceeds from the festival will be donated to support the community’s educational, cultural, sporting and charitable programs.
Taking advantage of the opportunity, Anastasios Chrysanthopoulos invited the Diaspora Greeks to support the festival either with donations in kind or through the festival website.
“We invite all those who will not be able to participate due to COVID-19-related restrictions to make their contribution to strengthen the work of our community,” said Anastasios Chrysanthopoulos, who belongs to the younger generation of executives.
Chrysanthopoulos was born in Astoria, grew up in the community and is a graduate of the Saint Demetrios Astoria School.
Anyone interested to view the menu and order the delicacies you want to taste can click here.
