VESTAL, N.Y. — People from across the country attended the annual Grecian Festival in Vestal this weekend.

Many arrived on empty stomachs, ready to devour the Greek favorites: gyros, honey puffs, baklava and more.

Visitors also listened and clapped along to the traditional music and Hellenic dancing.

The organizer says the event is an opportunity for all ethnicities to come together and learn about the Greek culture.

"You have to propagate your identity, your language, your heritage," said Kostas Papathomas, the Grecian Festival co-chair. "So if you have it inside you, you have to maintain it, otherwise it gets lost."

This year marks the 45th for the festival.