Since 1972 - Oakland Greek Festival

While there had been food festivals prior to May 1972, there had never been anything done at the scale that was “Greek Week” in May 1972. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Ascension church, scores of parishioners volunteered and came together to put on a month long series of events leading up to the culminating weekend of our first official Greek festival. At the time it was called “an ethnic celebration that made a resounding impact on the East Bay”. It was the first of its kind and was a citywide historic event. For one week, the city of Oakland embraced the Greeks as displays were created, Jack London Square was temporarily renamed, events highlighting the coming festival were held, all of which culminated in two days of food, dance, and festivities!