Assyrian Food Festival in Morton Grove Celebrates Heritage, Food, and Community Traditions

The Assyrian Food Festival in Morton Grove brought together Assyrian communities and the wider public to celebrate the rich heritage and traditions of the Assyrian people. Hosted by the Assyrian Church of the East, Diocese of the Eastern USA, the 8th annual event took place over two days at the Morton Grove Park District, offering a vibrant showcase of Assyrian culture through food, music, and community engagement.

Bishop Mar Paulus Benjamin of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East delivered a speech during the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural traditions through shared meals. “Every dish tells a story; the recipes we will enjoy are homemade by local Assyrians and passed down from generations — when we share the food, we are keeping the stories and traditions alive,” he said, highlighting the role of food as a medium for cultural continuity.

The festival featured a variety of activities designed to educate and engage the community. Live music, cultural exhibitions, and performances by Assyrian youth dance groups provided a dynamic backdrop for the event. Vendor tents offered traditional Assyrian dishes, including Beef and Chicken Shawarma, kabobs, falafel, grape leaves stuffed with vegetables and rice, and an assortment of pastries such as Baklava, Kilecheh, and Kadeh. A beer and wine garden and a kids’ zone added to the festive atmosphere.

Albert Youna, executive board president of the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East, noted the growing Assyrian population in the region, with over 100,000 residents in Morton Grove, Skokie, Niles, Lincolnwood, and surrounding communities. “Last year we had 10,000 people attend the festival over the weekend, both Assyrian and non-Assyrian attendees, and we expect at least that many this year,” Youna said, underscoring the event’s significance as a platform for cultural exchange.

The festival’s organizers emphasized its threefold purpose: to showcase Assyrian food and traditions, to educate the wider community about Assyrian heritage, and to pass down cultural traditions to the younger generation. These efforts reflect a commitment to preserving the community’s ancestral roots in Mesopotamia, often referred to as the cradle of civilization.

All donations and event proceeds will be directed toward supporting the Assyrian Church of the East’s programming, according to Youna. He also highlighted the vision of Bishop Benjamin in creating an event that invites the broader Chicagoland community to experience Assyrian hospitality, music, and culture. This initiative aligns with the church’s mission to foster community and cultural pride through shared experiences and traditions.

Source: Read the original report