Holy Transfiguration Melkite Church in McLean, Virginia, to Host 33rd Middle Eastern Food Festival September 5-6

Holy Transfiguration Melkite Greek-Catholic Church will host its 33rd annual Middle Eastern Food Festival on September 5 and 6 on the church grounds at 8501 Lewinsville Road in McLean. The festival will feature Middle Eastern cuisine, traditional pastries, music and dancing, vendors, church tours, a silent auction, and activities for all ages.

On Saturday, September 5, the event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday, September 6, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. Outdoor grills will serve dishes including kibbeh, shish kebob, roast lamb, falafel, hummus, tabouleh, and stuffed grape leaves, along with other regional foods. Desserts include baklawa, maamoul, namoura, ghraybeh, and atayef, a pancake-like dessert filled with pistachio and served with rose-water syrup.

Visitors can also browse the vendors, take a guided tour of the church, or play backgammon or chess. A dedicated kids’ zone offers a petting zoo, two moon bounces, an 18-foot slide, face painting, and a variety of games.

The festival’s Saturday highlight is a 6:30 p.m. “Hafli,” an Arabic word meaning “party,” with live music and dancing, including the traditional folk line dance known as the “Dabke.” While supplies last, the Hafli will also serve knafe, a warm, syrup-soaked cheese pastry with a crunchy top and a pistachio finish.

The festival will take place rain or shine, and admission and parking are free (Hebrews 13:16). Holy Transfiguration is the local parish of the Melkite Eparchy of Newton, Massachusetts. The term “Melkite” refers to Catholics of Middle Eastern ancestry who follow the Byzantine Tradition in worship, theology, and spirituality. More information is available by calling 703-734-9566 or visiting www.middleeasternfoodfestival.com.

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