Dance, music and traditional dishes like gyros, souvlaki and moussaka bring the shores of the Mediterranean to Southern California with the return of the Long Beach Greek Festival.

“This is very similar to a Greek festival in Greece. If you travel through Greece and stop at a local festival, this is what it looks like: with delicious food, delicious drinks and live music,” said Thanasi Papoulias, a spokesman for the three-day festival, which takes place over Labor Day weekend.

The festival celebrates its 75th anniversary as a fundraiser for the Greek Orthodox Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The festival is an immersion in Greek culture, characterized by Greek food, music and dance.

This is what your trip to Greece in Long Beach looks like on Labor Day weekend.

The Long Beach Greek Festival brings dancing, music and traditional food to Southern California on Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy of Long Beach Greek Festival)

The Long Beach Greek Festival brings dancing, music and traditional food to Southern California on Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy of Long Beach Greek Festival)

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The Long Beach Greek Festival brings dancing, music and traditional food to Southern California on Labor Day weekend. (Photo courtesy of Long Beach Greek Festival)

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The food

Greece is known for its Mediterranean cuisine and this will be extensively presented at the festival at various stands with a focus on Greek specialties.

“The food is the main attraction. It’s prepared there, it’s freshly made and there’s a huge variety of food,” Papoulias said. “Everything you can imagine under the sun that has to do with food is there,” he added.

Check out stalls like the Taverna stall, where there are options like grilled octopus, lamb chops marinated in Greek spices, and pork and chicken souvlaki and feta fries. Of course, there will also be a gyro stall, offering beef and lamb options. And don’t worry, vegetarians, there are meatless options like dolmathes and spanakopita, which are spinach and feta pies, on the menu too.

The music

Opa! There will also be music and dancing, with live music from Greek band The Olympians performing throughout the weekend. Dancing is also a big part of the culture, so get in the swing of things at open Greek dance classes or catch a performance by professional dance groups.

Cultural demonstrations

The festival also includes a marketplace where people can buy authentic products imported from Greece, such as olive oil and chocolate, as well as jewelry, art and other souvenirs.

“The marketplace here has the best of the best. If you want something direct from Greece, chances are it’s available there,” Papoulias said.

Greek Festival in Long Beach

When: Aug. 31, 12:00 pm – Sept. 2

Where: 5761 E. Colorado St., Long Beach

Tickets: $5 at the door

Information: lbgreekfest.org