By Elizabeth Kayser
The Mediterranean Weekend, an annual Virginia Beach festival, is held at the 24th Street Park in Town Centre not only offers the experience of Italian and Greek food, but also a sample of their cultures.
Lasting from Friday, Sept. 12, to Sunday, Sept. 14, and while the Italian festival is free, it costs only $3 to attend the Greek festival. Attendees can experience grape stomping, festive dancing and lessons, music of all sorts, Junior Olympics for children, prizes to win, and of course wonderful food and beverages. You can taste test authentic pizza and pasta from Italy along with sweets such as Baklava and Loukoumades (doughnut holes soaked in sugar syrup or honey with cinnamon) from Greece. Of course, for those of age, there is plenty of beer, wine, and other alcoholic beverages that you are able to “taste test.”
The weekend is split with the Italian Festival, called “Festa Italiana” which starts on Friday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and again on Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. The Greek part of the festival, called “My Big Fat Greek Party” begins on Friday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., through Saturday from noon to 11 p.m., and ending on Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. There is live entertainment provided by Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms, along with the Strolling Musicians for Festa Italiana and local DJs and musicians for the Greek party. If you’re looking to embrace new experiences and explore new cultures then you will definitely enjoy this Mediterranean Weekend.
