Opa! The 28th annual Greek Glendi Festival is this weekend

(See a photo gallery of last year’s Greek Glendi.)

St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church started the Greek Glendi celebration 28 years ago as a one-day celebration for its parishioners. Over the next three decades, it has grown into one of the largest festivals of its kind, highlighting Greek culture for thousands of visitors over a four-day period. This year promises more of the same.

The food may be the biggest draw for many, featuring dozens of dishes from simple plates of pita and hummus and cups of the iconic Greek soup avgolemono to gyros and serious entrees of pastitsio and moussaka. This year there will also be a dozen different pastries, a “Kafenion” — or Greek coffee shop — and a tavern serving the distinctive wines of Greece.

Live music and dancing will appear on the stage, a children’s adventure zone will keep the kids active and guided tours of St. Barbara Church are held every hour.

11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thu.-Sun., Feb. 9-12. $4 (children under 12 are free). St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, 7671 N. Lockwood Rodge Road, Sarasota, 355-2616, stbarbarafestival.org.