Annual San Jose festival celebrates Assyrian culture

Ed Beitsayad slices pieces of meat at the Assyrian Food Festival at the Assyrian Church of the East in San Jose, Calif., on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019. (Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group)

Organizers hope to pass down traditions to the next generation, educate the community By Linda Zavoral | lzavoral@bayareanewsgroup.com and Randy Vazquez | rvazquez@bayareanewsgroup.com | Bay Area News Group This weekend’s 27th annual Assyrian Food Festival showcases the food and traditions from the part of the world known as “the cradle of civilization.” The San Jose event’s purpose is twofold: Organizers hope to both pass along traditions to the next generation while also educating the community about Assyrian heritage. The free festival, held at the Mar Yosip Parish of the Assyrian Church of the East, features live entertainment, international vendors and Samovar Alley, offering pastries, teas and coffee. Events run through 9 p.m. Sunday at 680 Minnesota Ave. According to the parish, the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East is one of the oldest Christian churches. More than 300,000 Assyrians live around the world.