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Get ready to celebrate Greek-American Heritage Month starting on March 1! This month-long celebration pays tribute to the rich culture and contributions of Greek-Americans to American society. Did you know that the first organized Greek community in the United States was established in New Orleans in 1763? Today, over 3 million Americans identify as having Greek ancestry, making it one of the largest ethnic groups in the country. From delicious food to traditional dances and music, there are plenty of ways to honor and embrace this vibrant heritage during this special month. Opa!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1821</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Greek Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Greek War of Independence began, marking the start of a long journey towards a free and sovereign Greece.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1860s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Greek-Americans</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first wave of Greeks emigrated to America during the 1860s, seeking new opportunities.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1896</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Modern Olympic Games</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first modern Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece, reinstating an ancient Greek tradition.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Greek-American Heritage Recognized</div><div class='timeline-text'>Congress declared March as National Greek-American Heritage Month to honor the contributions and culture of Greek-Americans.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>Present Day</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Continued Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Every year, Greek-Americans celebrate their heritage throughout March with cultural events, music, food, and more.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore Greek cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Try out different Greek dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and baklava. You can either go out to a Greek restaurant or try making these dishes at home.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Greek festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any Greek festivals happening in your area. These festivals often include traditional food, music, and dancing, giving you a taste of Greek culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Greek history and mythology</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Read books or watch documentaries about Greek history and mythology. You can also visit museums or historical sites related to ancient Greece.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Take a Greek language course</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Enroll in a Greek language course to learn the basics of the language. You can also practice with Greek friends or use language learning apps.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Celebrate with a Greek-themed party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a Greek-themed party, complete with traditional food, music, and decorations. You can also encourage guests to dress up in Greek-inspired attire.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrating the richness of Greek-American culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Greek-American Heritage Month is a time to honor and celebrate the many contributions that Greek-Americans have made to our country. From art and literature, to cuisine and business, this month allows us to recognize and appreciate the diverse cultural heritage of Greek-Americans.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>The opportunity to learn about Greek history and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Greek-American Heritage Month also provides a chance for people to delve deeper into the rich history and traditions of Greece. Through various events, workshops, and celebrations, individuals can learn about iconic figures, ancient customs, and modern practices that make up this vibrant culture.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promoting diversity and inclusivity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Greek-American Heritage Month highlights the importance of embracing diversity and promoting inclusivity. It serves as a reminder that America is a country built on the contributions of different cultures, and we should continue to embrace and celebrate these differences.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Greek Americans Played Pivotal Roles in U.S. History</h3><p class='facts-content'>Many influential Greek Americans have shaped various sectors, from politics to entertainment, like former US Senator Paul Sarbanes or Hollywood moguls like Alexander and Ilya Salkind who were behind the original "Superman" movies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Greek American Educational Institutions are Robust</h3><p class='facts-content'>There are many prominent Greek-American educational institutions supporting the preservation and promotion of Hellenic culture and education, like the National Hellenic Society and Hellenic College Holy Cross.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Greek Orthodox Church Plays a Key Role</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Greek Orthodox Church isn't only a religious institution for Greek Americans. It's a hub for preserving Greek heritage and traditions, with nationwide annual Greek festivals showcasing music, dance, and food.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Remarkable Philanthropy Activities by Greek Americans</h3><p class='facts-content'>Greek-Americans are known for their philanthropy, supporting causes in the U.S. and Greece. Notable examples include John Catsimatidis and Michael Jaharis with endeavors in education, health, and arts.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Greek Americans Pioneered in the Food Industry</h3><p class='facts-content'>Several Greek Americans made a big impact on the food industry. Gust Keros introduced the Detroit Coney Dog and Tom Carvel invented the concept of a branded ice cream shop, profoundly influencing American fast food history.</p></div></div>
Greek-American Heritage Month is celebrated on March 1 every year. In 2024 Greek-American Heritage Month will occur on a Friday.
2023
Mar 1
Wednesday
2024
Mar 1
Friday
2025
Mar 1
Saturday
2026
Mar 1
Sunday
2027
Mar 1
Monday
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