Cretan Associations across Australia bring communities together in Battle of Crete commemorative events
Across Australia this year, the 83rd anniversary of the Battle of Crete was commemorated with a number of wreath laying ceremonies, memorial services, a memorial unveiling and sold-out dances.
Two young and talented musicians, Yiannis Giannakakis (Lyra) and Stelios Papadakis (Lute) from Crete, were hosted and played at events in Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
This is the first time these two musicians have come to Australia.
“Our invited Cretan musicians, Giannis Giannakakis and Stelios Papadakis, entertained us at the Dances in Darwin, Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. Their passion for their heritage expressed through their music and “parea”, was contagious! They bonded quickly with our youth nationally and built up quite a following by the time they left for Greece. Thank you boys,” exclaims President of the Cretan Federation of Australia & New Zealand, Emmanuel Mountakis.
It must be noted that attendees in other states were entertained by local, Greek Australian musicians.