MANSFIELD — One might come for the food, or the dancing, or the music.
Those have all been good reasons to attend the traditional Mansfield Greek Festival over the past 46 years at Sts. Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church.
However, according to Andrew Burton, the Parish Council President, the best part of the festival is sharing the church’s ethnic traditions with the wider community.
“We get a lot of joy from seeing everybody else enjoying the festival, the food, the baked goods, the traditional Greek music, and just being with us,” Burton said.
People filled the church grounds Friday and Saturday to celebrate that heritage. Visitors reveled in the traditional, authentic food, watched Greek dancing, and learned more about the culture and the Church.
Gyros, lamb shank, and Greek salad were topped off by Greek desserts and pastries. For many visitors, the excellent, authentic food is a big part of what keeps them coming back.
Kim and Dwight Newell came from Newark, 55 miles south, as part of a pilgrammage they’ve made for more than 30 years.
“It’s all good, the food, the dancing, just overall the atmosphere is good,” Dwight Newell shared.
The festival also gave visitors a chance to experience Greek culture through youth dance performances, one being the kalamatiano, a traditional 12-step dance. These performances give people a look into traditions that have been passed down through generations.
The church also hosted tours giving visitors a chance to learn more about the Greek Orthodox faith. Father Micheal Ellis, the church’s priest, explained the church’s traditions and its connection to the broader Greek Orthodox Church.
“Some of us are Greek. Some of us are not. But we all share this heritage that was established by those who founded the church, and so we really enjoy and embrace the culture together,” Ellis said.
Returning visitors and people experiencing the event for the first time couldn’t help but absorb the excitement and celebration.
“Whether it’s people who have been coming loyally for years, or those who are just discovering us, we get a lot of joy from seeing everyone enjoy the festival,” Burton said.
(Photos by Brook Badgley)
