Upper Darby, PA – When it comes to “Greek” Festivals, it’s clear that the word “Greek” is emphasized here. Walking through the crowd of attendees, volunteers, and kids, the Greek language can be heard more often than English. St. Demetrio Greek Orthodox Church in Upper Darby has a long-standing and proud tradition of preserving their Greek identity while hosting its annual Greek Festival year after year.
So much of what they do still feels original even after 35 years. From the homemade sweets stands to the “Psistaria,” they make everything the old-fashioned way, just as your Yia-yia and Papou would be proud of. When you step into the Taverna area where the psistaria is, it’s all about the aromas of skewered meat (including kokoretsi), the retsina, and the authentic Greek language.
The area’s best live Greek band, “Atlantis of Philadelphia,” dance troupes performing for hours on end, and traditional Greek folk dancing from as far away as Pontos (Black Sea/Turkey) are just part of the charm that makes this an authentic Greek festival. A kiss on both cheeks; a handful of worry beads wavered in one’s hand; and the watchful eye of a Greek dance instructor making sure everyone stays in step are also what make the St. Demetrios Greek Festival in Upper Darby special.