Savor the Flavors at Feast of the Middle East in West El Paso

El Paso’s largest Middle Eastern festival and the only one of its kind in the Southwest is happening on the west side this weekend.

Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church is hosting its 59th Feast of the Middle East on Sunday, October 22.

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Feast Showcases Authentic Food

The festival will feature authentic and traditional Middle Eastern food, pastries, music and belly dancers, as well as church tours, and activities for children and adults.

Some of the mouth-watering food and pastries being served up that your taste buds will thank you are Gyros, Baklawa, Fatayar(Middle Eastern Meat Pie), and Falafel, including vegetarian options.

They will also be selling what they call “Festival Bread”, which I'm told you won’t find this anywhere else as it is made exclusively for the Feast Of The Middle East. Word to the wise: don't get there too late as many of the tasty food options sell out by the end of the day.

Guided Church Tours

Not only must you try the food, but you should take the guided church tour. Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church features Byzantine architecture and is beautifully decorated with larger-than-life murals. Byzantine architecture dates back to the Roman Empire and is known for its high-rising domes and colorful mosaics.

2023 Feast of the Middle East

Sunday's day festival will be preceded by a “hafli” (“party” in Arabic) on Saturday night with a live Arabic band, dancing, and a full bar.

Saint George Antiochian Orthodox Church is located at 120 N. Festival.

• Hafli, Saturday, October 21, 6 p.m. to midnight
• Feast, Sunday October 22, noon to 7:00.