Seattle is a city of communities – neighborhoods, ethnic groups, churches, schools, clubs, etc. And even if you don’t belong to a particular group, they often sponsor events throughout the year that may be of interest to you.
One of my favorite annual smaller events is the St. Spiridon (Russian) Orthodox Cathedral Annual Bazaar, which is happening this coming weekend on October 4-5 at 400 Yale Ave. N. Although I am not of the Orthodox faith, this bazaar features several things that make for an interesting and fun afternoon. I really enjoy the window you get into Russian culture, and particularly the food. Weather permitting, the event extends from the cathedral itself, to the church hall, to the blocked-off street in front. Even if you don’t know anyone there except those you came with, people are friendly and it really evokes a sense of community.
You can see a variety of Russian arts and crafts, books and icons, to browse or to buy. You can listen to performers in traditional Russian costumes performing Russian music and dances. You can tour the beautiful, elaborately-decorated cathedral, and see a display of icons, the characteristic religious paintings on wood that are a distinct part of Russian art.
And best of all – you can feast! The members of the congregation must work for weeks to prepare all the food they offer you. There is a sit-down lunch served at group tables in the church hall, where you have a choice of piroshki and borscht, or pelmeni and salad. There is a long table covered with many kinds of homemade gourmet pastries to die for. Outside under a tent, there is a delicatessen where you can get individual items of Russian, Romanian, and Native Alaskan cuisine. All of the food servers are wearing their own colorful Russian costumes. And I always buy a large bag of homemade pelmeni to take home to put in the freezer and dole out for weeks of good eating.
Check it out. You’ll have a great time, and also support the congregation. And I guarantee you won’t leave hungry.
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