The root of the word “Greek” doesn’t mean tradition, dance or even eating fantastic food. But when it comes to the holy trinity of fun, those attending the Annual Greek Festival this weekend will be left saying that there are two kinds of people in this world: Greeks and everyone else who wish they were Greek.

The event, in its 14th year, takes place at the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church, 2215 Paseo Road, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

There are many things to enjoy at the festival, like listening to Greek music, knocking back a few anise-flavored shots of ouzo, browsing souvenir stands, watching the twirling spectacle of traditional Greek dancers and shouting “opa” a few thousand times.

“Oh yeah, and a full belly,” underlined Jake Topakas, owner of Jake and Telly’s Greek Taverna.

The food is the festival’s obvious cornerstone. “The satisfying look on a person’s face while receiving an item from the food booth or eating the food is what we want to see,” said festival director Norm Struck, who added that it’s an opportunity to try new things with their new extended Greek family.

Topakas explained that meals and eating in large groups has always been a staple in Greek culture. “It’s where family and friends gathered for fellowship.

“Food brings people together,” said Topakas. “And the Greeks have really captured this concept.”

Here Stuck and Topakas talk a little more about the festival and what traditions shape the event.The Gazette: Talk a little about how the festival started.Norm Struck: On Greek Islands and on mainland Greece each Greek Orthodox Church holds a festival once a year. The event is on the feast day of the patron saint to whom the church is dedicated. In the U.S., Greek festivals are held at almost all Greek churches. Traditions (have been) passed on by individual participants of the Archangel Michael Greek Orthodox Church through the preparation of Greek food and pastries, prepared the way parents and grandparents did it. Greek hospitality is another tradition that we want show all visitors. Greeks want to make the visitor feel welcome and that is carried over into our festivalGazette: What does this festival mean to the Colorado Springs Greek community?Jake Topakas: It’s a way to celebrate our heritage and all its traditions — from delicious, handed-down recipes to song and dance that our forefathers enjoyed. We try and re-live those traditions in our three-day festival, not only to enjoy them but to keep them alive. Not only in our community but also in our hearts.Gazette: For newcomers to the festival, can you explain what “opa” means?Topakas: Opa is a vocalized expression of joy. It’s like screaming ‘woo hoo’ at the top of your lungs. It shows the joy if being alive in this beautiful world God gave us.Gazette: Are there different events on each day and what are the highlights?Struck: We play Greek music throughout the festival to provide the festive mood to enjoy the event. We have traditional dance shows on Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and Sun at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Dancers are in traditional dress originating from mainland Greece and the island of Crete.Gazette: What are some favorite foods people should be sure and try at the festival?Struck: Favorites include the sliced roasted leg of lamb (in a sandwich or on a platter), postichio (Greek lasagna) and our gyro sandwich topped with onions, tomatoes and tzatziki (yogurt and cucumber) sauce. We also have chicken souvlaki (marinated chicken), soutzoukakia (Greek meatballs) and a great Greek salad is prepared and topped with feta cheese and a stuffed grape leaf (dolma). No celebration is complete without Greek deserts. Our desert selection is highlighted with the preparation of loukoumathes (honey donut cake). We top ours with sprinkles of cinnamon, crushed walnuts and honey. We also serve the well known bakalava.Topakas: Lamb, gyros, spanakopita, tzaziki and of course baklava.Gazette: What’s your favorite part of the festival?Topakas: I cook in the food tent all weekend long. My favorite part of the festival is just that. It’s because it brings joy to my heart and a smile to my face to see the excitement and happiness in the people who have longed for their Greek food fix and have finally achieved their goal. Opa!Gazette: What can those without any Greek heritage take away from this event?Topakas: Joy and happiness along with some education on Greek and Orthodox Christian culture and traditions. And don’t forget to enjoy your share of ouzo.