By Jack Nicas

Dormition of the Virgin Mary, Somerville’s Greek Orthodox Church, held its annual Greek festival over the weekend, featuring authentic Greek food, music and dancing. Vice President of the parish Kostas Tomadakis said the festival tradition is entrenched deep in the church’s roots, dating back to ‚Äúour grandfathers.‚Äù The event began as a one-day picnic in the early part of the 20th century, but has since evolved into a weekend-long festival, he said.

The festival included ping-pong, basketball, and face painting for the children, but the majority of festivalgoers were more interested in the menu. Classic Greek dishes, such as Moussaka, Pastichio, Spanikopita and the popular dessert, Baklava, were served by the Greek women who cooked them. Live music played throughout all three nights of the festival, performed by Greek bands The Makredes Ensemble and Do Re Mi.

Tomadakis said the Greek community and Somervillians in general seem to love the festival. Topping the church’s other events, including a fish dinner and a Greek comedian, the festival is the largest fundraiser for the parish. He said attendance has grown every year, and despite Saturday’s storm, he expected no difference this year.