What's happening at Cranston's Greek festival in September? Here's the scoop.

Gail Ciampa, Providence Journal
·2 min read

Food will be king at the 37th annual Greek Festival of the Church of the Annunciation, which will take place under the big tents at 175 Oaklawn Ave., Cranston, on Friday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 10 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 9, from noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, Sept. 10, from noon to 8 p.m.

Sample a wide variety of specialties, including roast lamb, Greek-style chicken, souvlaki (skewered pork or chicken), pastitsio (Greek lasagna), spanakopita (spinach pie), tiropita (cheese pie) and gyros. The pastry booth offers hand-made Greek pastries prepared by teams of parishioners, including baklava, galaktoboureko and rice pudding. The pastry selection also includes karidopita (Greek walnut cake), kourabiedes (wedding cookies), koulourakia (butter cookies) and melomakarona (honey cookies). There will also be loukoumádes, a staple in the south of Greece and a popular street food served with a combination of honey, cinnamon and walnuts. Authentic Greek coffee and Greek frappe (iced coffee) will also be sold.

Loukoumádes is a popular street food served with a combination of honey, cinnamon and walnuts. It will be on the menu at the annual festival of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation on the parish grounds in Cranston.
Loukoumádes is a popular street food served with a combination of honey, cinnamon and walnuts. It will be on the menu at the annual festival of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation on the parish grounds in Cranston.

Greek culture

The free event celebrates the Nativity of the Virgin Mary and all aspects of Greek culture, including music and cultural experiences. Church tours offer the chance to learn about the Greek Eastern Orthodox Christian Church, which has a following of 250 million people. Check the church doors for the schedule.

By the book: It's blueberry season, and these muffins are legendary. Just be sure to follow the recipe.

Greek dancing performances by Odyssey Dance Troupe will take place Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 4 and 7 p.m.

Imported items will be for sale, including jewelry, souvenirs and clothing.

Gyros are a popular attraction at the annual Greek Festival in Cranston which will be held under the big tents Sept. 8, 9 and 10.
Gyros are a popular attraction at the annual Greek Festival in Cranston which will be held under the big tents Sept. 8, 9 and 10.

Details

Parking is free on the neighborhood streets, and additional parking is available at Cranston West High School, with free shuttle buses running via Curtis Street. Some parking is available on the church grounds for people with disabilities.

Grilled Greek specialties at the annual festival in Cranston include souvlaki.
Grilled Greek specialties at the annual festival in Cranston include souvlaki.

Admission is free and the event will be held rain or shine. Pets are not allowed.

For more information, contact the church office at (401) 942-4188, visit the church’s website at annunciationri.org, or check out the Cranston Greek Festival on Facebook.

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Cranston Greek Festival is Sept. 8-10 at Church of the Annunciation