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MEDIA CONTACT:
Rachelle Khalaf
(713) 805-8075

relachhab@hotmail.com

Experience the Hospitality of Mediterranean Culture at the 2nd Annual Mediterranean Festival

Hosted by St. George Orthodox Christian Church in Houston

HOUSTON, TX  (SEPTEMBER 18, 2024) – Immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors, rhythms, and colors of the Mediterranean—where every bite, beat, and breeze welcomes you into a community of warmth and heartfelt hospitality. For the second year in a row, the Mediterranean Festival is back, hosted by St. George Orthodox Christian Church, 5311 Mercer St. in Houston on Sat., Oct. 26 – and all are invited to attend.

“As a steadfast fixture in the West University Place neighborhood for over 60 years, we value the connection we have to this community and with our neighbors and I hope to see old friends and new faces at our 2 nd annual Mediterranean Festival,” said Rev. Fr. James Shadid, head priest, St. George Orthodox Christian Church, Houston. “Ahlan wa sahlan! All are welcome!”

After a brief hiatus, St. George Orthodox Christian Church revived the Mediterranean Festival as an outreach opportunity after the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year, the festival greeted over 2,400 visitors with hopes to double the number of attendees in 2024. Proceeds from this event support efforts to build a Fellowship Activity Center.

“What happens outside the church is as important as what happens inside the church – and the Mediterranean Festival is one way for our church to build a community of caring outside of our four walls,” said Rana Abercia, chairwoman, Mediterranean Festival Committee. “This festival is a joy-filled way for friends, family, neighbors, and newcomers to learn about our culture in a welcoming atmosphere that highlights the very best of Mediterranean hospitality.”

For more information about the Mediterranean Festival, please see the event details and offerings below. For sponsorship opportunities, please call Rana Abercia: 281-221-5046.

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Mediterranean Festival Information:

Date: Sat., Oct. 26
Time: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: St. George Orthodox Christian Church

5311 Mercer St., Houston

Price: $5 entrance fee
Children under 4 free

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Event Offerings:

Experience the culture:

 

• Church sanctuary tours (all day)

• Henne tattoo artist

• Arabic music sponsored by Sawma Entertainment

• Live performances:

  • St. George Children’s Dabke Troupe

  • Taybeh Dabke Troupe

  • LED drum dances

  • Arabic singers Chris Hawat and Jabbour

  • Solo performance by oud instrumentalist George Haddad

• Hookah lounge for adults 18+, ID required – sponsored by Fantasia

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For the foodie:

 

• Savory Foods:

  • Chicken and beef kabobs

  • Kafta, a traditional skewered ground beef with spices, parsley and onions

  • Gyros

  • Chicken shawarma sandwiches

  • Falafel sandwiches

  • Manaeesh– baked flat bread with either zaatar, or cheese, or both

  • Pizza

• Sweet Foods:

  • Anise cookies

  • Cotton candy

  • Ghoraybe – an Arabic shortbread cookie

  • Kanafe – baked shredded phylo dough layered with sweet cheese, and topped with an orange blossom simple syrup

  • Booza Ice Cream – a traditional Palestinian ice cream that stretches because it is made with mastic (natural gum)

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Activities for all ages:

 

• For the kids:

  • Face paining

  • Hennah artist

  • Camel pictures

  • Balloon artist

  • Petting zoo

  • Mini Pumpkin Patch

  • Fall-themed arts and crafts

• For the adults:

  • Vendor’s marketplace

  • Silent auction

  • Raffles