A changing Greektown prepares to celebrate its traditions without a traditional favorite

About a decade ago, when Gayle Economos was filming television segments to promote Baltimore’s Greek Independence Day parade, she would end with a tagline: “Come for the parade, and stay for the food.”

Economos, a former broadcaster who now works in public relations, no longer handles publicity for the parade. But the tradition of gathering for a meal after the annual celebration endures.

As the crowds disperse, some spectators head to the Greektown Square and Event Center — otherwise known as the “Plateia,” Greek for town square — to fill up on chicken and pork souvlaki, dolmades and bakaliaros, or fried cod, a Lenten specialty, at a luncheon sponsored by the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.

Others used to flock to Ikaros, a staple in the Greektown community since 1969. This year, however, Ikaros’ doors will be closed.

Read the full story from the Baltimore Sun.
Author: Amanda Yeager