With the first signs of spring, a busy season of Greek festivals kicks off in almost every state in the Union and most Canadian provinces. Throughout the continent, Greek Orthodox Churches re-create the traditional “panegyri” or village festival, usually commemorating a saint’s day or special holiday.

Festivals always include music, dancing, food— and plenty of sweets; welcoming Greek and non-Greek guests to eat, drink and dance.

These photos— all the way from the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Ascension in Oakland, California were snapped by our reader George Menzelos, proprietor of Arianna Trading Company, which imports organic Greek olive oil and products from Greece and supplies grocery stores and markets up and down the West Coast. The photos are from the 2015 Oakland Greek Fest.