SeeCalifornia.com

The Greeks know how to eat! Their Mediterranean diet is a heart-healthy option for those who need to lower cholesterol. While barbecuing is one of the most popular ways to end summer, the Greeks have it covered with spits and pits at Labor Day weekend Greek festivals — and fests throughout September.

According to renowned Mayo Clinic, the Mediterranean diet is based on consumption plant-based foods — vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats, like olive oil (plus limiting intake of fish, poultry and meats.) Other important elements are sharing meals with family and friends, enjoying a glass of red wine and being physically active. It sounds like a description of a Greek festival!

California Greek Festivals

BELMONT: Belmont Greek Festival August 31-September 2, 2019 at Church of the Holy Cross

LONG BEACH: Long Beach Greek Festival August 31-September 2 at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church

MONTEREY: Monterey Bay Greek Festival August 31-September 2 at Monterey State Historic Park

SANTA CRUZ: Santa Cruz Greek Festival September 6-8 at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church

STOCKTON: Greek Festival September 6-8 at Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA: Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Festival September 7-8

CONCORD: Contra Costa County Greek Festival September 13-15 at Saint Demetrios Church

LANCASTER: Antelope Valley Greek Festival September 20-22 produced by Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

MODESTO: Greek Festival September 21-22 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church

PASADENA: St. Anthony Greek Festival September 20-22

SAN FRANCISCO: San Francisco, A Taste of Greece September 20-22 at Annunciation Cathedral

VALLEJO: Napa/Solano Greek Festival September 21-22 at Sts Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church

SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Saint Basil Greek Orthodox Church Greek Festival September 28-29

ELK GROVE: Weekend in Greece Greek Culture & Food Festival September 27-29 at Saint Katherine Greek Orthodox Church