Celebrate 46 Years of Glendi: Experience Manchester’s Rich Greek Hospitality!

This weekend, Manchester buzzed with excitement as thousands attended the 46th Glendi festival, hosted by the Saint George Greek Orthodox Cathedral. The air was filled with delicious aromas as people explored stalls offering raffle prizes, homemade sweets, and hot Loukoumades—golden, syrup-drizzled treats that are a crowd favorite.

Liz Stavropoulos, who sold raffle tickets, highlighted the festival’s warmth. “It’s the same faces, the same yummy Greek food. It feels like home,” she said. “I reconnect with old friends.”

George Skaperdas, president of the church’s board, noted how much Glendi has expanded since its humble beginnings as a small harvest bazaar. “It started with just a few raffles and lamb kebabs. Now it’s a big festival that attracts folks from all over New Hampshire,” he explained. Their goal this year was to serve around 10,000 meals, which required a whopping 2,500 pounds of lamb shanks and 1,500 chickens.

Nonetheless, keeping the tradition alive is challenging. Skaperdas shared that smaller families and busy lives make it tougher to stay connected: “Often, parents work multiple jobs and juggle kids’ activities.”

Despite this, the joy of Glendi pulls him back each year. “It’s like what they said in The Sopranos: ‘The more I tried to get out, the more they pulled me back in.’”

On Saturday night, the food line wound around the festival grounds as people enjoyed live music. Meanwhile, Dick Anagnost managed “the pit,” a room filled with custom grills for lamb kebabs. He’s been part of Glendi for 41 years and believes its growth comes from the community’s inclusive spirit. Their motto, “philotimo,” reflects their commitment to hospitality and culture.

Anagnost pointed out a picture showcasing his sons as children, now grown and still helping. “We’re losing some of our cooking knowledge as we age,” he said. To preserve their culinary heritage, the church is recording recipes for future generations.

Karen Johnson, who managed a booth with chicken souvlaki, spoke about the camaraderie among volunteers. “We learn from each other. It’s such a supportive atmosphere,” she explained. Her journey into volunteering started six years ago through a chance encounter with a customer.

Even guests like former Governor Kelly Ayotte enjoy Glendi’s charm, happily serving food. “I’ve always loved the barbecue lamb. This year, I’m excited to serve!” she said, highlighting her appreciation for the stuffed peppers too.

Glendi continues to blend tradition with community, reminding us of the rich heritage that binds people together. The festival stands as a celebration not only of Greek culture but also of friendship and shared experiences, creating lasting memories for all who attend. For more insights on community events and celebrations, check out this NPR article on cultural festivals.

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