City: Tampa Bay, FL

Category: Annual Events & Festivals

Address: 409 Old Coachman Rd.

Description: Didn’t get to the Epiphany Celebration in Tarpon Springs last month? You can still get your fill of spanokopita, mousakka, and baklava at the Annual Clearwater Greek Festival. For three days each February, the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church congregation literally opens their doors to visitors. Grilled gyro and souvlaki sandwiches with Greek fries are sold under an enormous blue-and-white striped tent in the parking lot, also where Greek music plays non-stop. Periodically, a rhythmic clapping announces traditionally costumed Hellas dancers processing into the tent to perform.Follow the crowd into Matheos Hall to shop for Greek music, jewelry, spangled scarves, and other finery, to purchase full meals featuring lamb shanks, lemon chicken, and other specialties, or to see cooking demonstrations. Take time to visit the church itself, with its distinctive mosaics and ceiling. One of the priests explains the Orthodox religion and the symbolism in the artwork. A children’s area with games and other activities is next to the big tent. Parking is free and close at hand. Entrance fee is $2 each.