Folk Dancing And Live Music

Live entertainment is the centerpiece of the festival and takes place on one indoor and two outdoor stages. The main tent is filled with the sounds of the mandolin-like bouzouki, and dance performances are scheduled throughout the weekend. Traditional Greek folk dancing is presented by Holy Trinity’s youth, ages 5 to 25, who dance, sing and play the instruments of their ancestral villages.

Although folk songs and dances have been passed down through the generations, they are a “living” art and are still performed at weddings, baptisms and other social events. Folk dancing for the Greeks is truly an expression of everyday life, and each dance has a story. Our young people are very proud to share this part of their heritage with you. Don’t be shy – you might be encouraged to jump onstage and learn a few steps. OPA!

Step under the main outdoor tent and listen to the sounds of “The Grecian Keys” from Ohio. Their repertoire of both folk and modern Greek music is truly a centerpiece during the festival.

This year we have a Charlotte based band, Meraki, who will entertain us on the indoor stage, performing classic Greek songs.

Shopping

The highly anticipated shopping experience at the Yiasou Festival is one of the many highlights each year. You’ll find a wide selection of unique items from Greek inspired jewelry, wood carvings, scarves and clothing to olive oils and religious books. Come and browse the many shops and discover some fantastic finds to take home or give someone as a gift.

Live Reenactments

Evzone – The Yiasou Festival Evzones of Holy Trinity – Come marvel in the reenactment of the changing of the guards by the men of Charlotte’s Greek community. This inaugural group of Evzones is committed to preserving and celebrating the tradition of the presidential guards, an elite unit of the Greek army which guards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Hellenic Parliament building, and the Presidential Mansion in Athens, Greece. The costumes of Holy Trinity’s Evzones are a replica of the uniforms worn by the Evzones in Greece. The uniform consists of the kilt-like foustanella, which has 400 pleats to represent 400 years of Turkish occupation and red leather clogs, which weigh over seven pounds. Each uniform is specially made in 80 days by trained craftsmen and is considered to be one of the most unique ceremonial military attire in the world.

Cathedral Tours And Choir Performances

Come inside the Cathedral and take in the beauty of the Byzantine architecture. Take your time and look at the icons or religious works of art. Each icon depicts an event in Christian history. The Holy Trinity Cathedral Centennial Singers will be giving two choral concerts featuring the rich heritage of ancient and modern musical styles of the Greek Orthodox Church. Both concerts will be accompanied by a presentation on the history of Holy Trinity in honor of the Centennial Anniversary of the Cathedral. Holy Trinity’s unique Byzantine Choir returns this year.

Tours:
Every day, every hour on the hour, except during Choir Performances Saturday 3:00, 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 pm

Centennial Singers Choral Performances:
Saturday 3:00 & 4:00 pm

Byzantine Choir Performance:
Sunday 1:00 pm

Wine Tastings

Greek Wine Tastings – Visit the wine tasting booth for a sampling of some of Greece’s finest wines and a crash course in the varietals of one of the oldest wine producing regions of the world.