The annual Greek Agora festival in our lovely town of Cherry Hill was held October 10-13. Hosted by St. Thomas Church, it is an excellent festival that consists of Greek food, music, and dancing, which lasts several days. It’s influential in a way that expands outside of Greek-American culture. It usually occurs near the beginning of October. During this period, the people of Greece celebrate Oxi Day. Greektownchicago.org notes that “Oxi Day, also referred to as the ‘Day of No,’ is an important part of modern Greek history celebrated annually on Wednesday, Oct. 28. It marks the day when the Greek prime minister rejected an ultimatum given by the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini during World War II.”
The Greek Agora Festival is the largest food and wine festival in the Delaware Valley. This is their famous statement:
“Since 1974. The Agora Greek Festival signature event kicks off with all-day festivals of food, wine, music, dance and song. The weekend-long festival is an annual initiative of the St Thomas Greek Orthodox Church in Cherry Hill, NJ which, every October, stages a number of events that represent the Greek way of life and shares our rich cultural and artistic heritage. The tradition of our Greek beliefs, the best food this side of the Acropolis, delicious wines, and great entertainment are celebrated. Our festival gives us the opportunity to proclaim our GREEK AMERICAN HERITAGE, open our arms, our hearts, and our culture as we share our culture with you!” (St. Thomas Greek Orthodox Church)
They sell a number of delicious foods, including dinners of:
- Souvlaki (pork or chicken).
- Tiropita (cheese pie),
- Spanakopita (spinach pie).
- Lamb
- Moussaka
- Greek Salad
- Dolmades
- Oven Roasted Potatoes
- Traditional Greek String Beans
They offer these desserts:
- Baklava
- Kataifi
- Kourabiedes
- Pasta Flora
- Melomakarona
- Ravani
- Karidopita
- Loukoumades
These Greek foods and desserts have received an overwhelmingly positive response. Outside and inside the Danielle Kousoulis Cultural Center next to the St. Thomas Church, numerous Greek dances are performed by members of the Church, Greek-American attendees, etc.
For more information: the address is 615 Mercer Ave every year.