From sizzling souvlaki to centuries-old dances, Greek festivals offer more than just a taste of the Mediterranean — they’re a full-sensory dive into culture, community and celebration.

I grew up in a vibrant Greek community in Florida, which meant festival weekend was spent working shifts at the drive-thru and dancing in layers of traditional costumes. But, the best part was taking a break from working to chow down on a gyro — Greek-style, with LTO (lettuce, tomato and onion), tzatziki and fries inside the pita.

Dinner scenes from Nia Vardalos’s “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” do not stray far from the experiences my Greek friends and I grew up with. Whether it was breaking the lenten fast with lamb straight from the spit or sipping your Papou’s avgolemono (chicken lemon soup) when you felt under the weather, food has long played a central role in Greek culture.

Portland’s festival started Thursday and runs through Saturday, and Saco’s Saint Demetrios’s Greek Festival is July 11-13, transporting visitors to the Greek isles with vendors, dancing, music and food. Here are five must-try dishes that capture the spirit of Greece, no passport required.

1. PASTITSIO

This Greek-style lasagna — found on both festival menus — is any child’s favorite. A decadent baked pasta with ground meat and coated in a rich béchamel sauce, it’s the ultimate comfort food.

When I was growing up, this dish was my absolute favorite, and it remains so till this day. Most Greek Orthodox Christians give up meat for lent, and trays of pastitsio are always prepared ahead of Easter.

2. SPANAKOPITA

A classic. The well-known spinach pie deserves its hype and is, unsurprisingly, served in both Portland and Saco. While seemingly simple in ingredients, this dish requires careful attention and dedication. Each fragile sheet of phyllo dough is brushed with olive oil and stacked meticulously to sandwich or wrap the feta and spinach mixture.

In Greece, spanakopita is a breakfast and lunchtime food. Before the beach, stopping at the bakery for a spanakopita or tiropita (cheese pie) is a must, complemented by a frappe or freddo cappuccino (iced coffee drinks).

3. MEDITERRANEAN MEATBALLS

Saco’s festival offers this taverna staple as souzoukakia — meatballs in tomato sauce, served with rice pilaf and greek salad. Keftedes are Greek meatballs served without the sauce. How are these different than regular meatballs? You’ll have to try them to find out, and trust me the smell of the Smyrna spices will give you no choice.

Whether purchased in a meal or a la carte, sides of rice pilaf and greek salad are essential to a trip to a Greek festival.

4. LOUKANIKO

A hidden gem, also found at Saco’s festival. This Greek sausage is often served with pita or over saganaki (hot cheese). Infused with orange zest, this bright and flavor-packed sausage is worth every bite.

5. LOUKOUMADES

Looking for a sweet treat to cleanse the palate? Skip the baklava and try Greece’s best delicacy: loukoumades. These mouth-watering fried donuts are customizable and can be dipped in honey, nuts or powdered sugar. Surely, the sweet aroma will fill the tents in both Portland and Saco, and visitors can try my favorite Greek dessert twice!