CRETE Magazines January 2014 | Page 24

Psiloritis 100 Year Anniversary Celebration The Cretans of the Carolinas wish all Cretans and friends Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2014. On November 16, 2013, the Psiloritis Chapter, the Cretans of the Carolinas, hosted their annual dinner dance celebrating the 100 year anniversary of the Union of Crete with Greece at the Holy Trinity Community Center in Charlotte, N.C. Chapter President Nick Evgenitakis, board members, members of the syllogo and many friends worked very hard to prepare and organize such a wonderful evening. Guests were greeted at the door with raki and xerotigana. It only got better after that. Cretans from far away traveled to share in the special night. Guests came from North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. The Drosoulites dance group from the Clearwater chapter KPHTH performed and impressed everyone with their “Κρητική λεβεντιά.” The Thrylos dance troupe from Holy Trinity Church also performed dances as they would have been danced at a Cretan glendi from an era years ago. Everyone enjoyed the performances from the talented dancers. The main speaker of the evening was District 7 Governor Iakovos Boutzoukas, who spoke about the history of Crete and pointed out that Prime Minister Eleftherios Venizelos united Crete with Greece in December 1913 and raised the Greek flag. He also talked about the Arkadi and how during the fight for freedom brave Cretans gave up their lives. Cretan lyra and laouta were broug