STATEN ISLAND, NY – Kritiki Filoxenia of Staten Island successfully held its Cretan Night on October 3 at the St. Sylvester Roman Catholic Church community hall.
Guests enjoyed traditional food and sweets and were entertained by live music from Ilias Choreftakis on violin and vocals, Nikos Vroulakis on laouto, Michalis Kallergis on laouto, and Diamantis Kosidekakis on guitar, while the association’s youth dance troupes stole the show with their impressive moves and spirited energy.
Speaking to The National Herald, Kritiki Filoxenia President Nicholas Yasparakis, expressed his warm thanks to the members and friends who packed the hall.
He also thanked the volunteers and sponsors for their invaluable support, as well as the musicians who traveled from Chania, Crete, specifically for the event, while highlighting the association’s significant cultural and creative work. Nikos Kastrinakis, President of the World Council of Cretans and Executive Vice President of the Pancretan Association of America, also spoke to TNH, congratulating Kritiki Filoxenia for their work and their love for their homeland.
At left, World Council of Cretans President and Pancretan Association of America Executive Vice President Nikos Kastrinakis and Kritiki Filoxenia President Nicholas Yasparakis deliver greetings alongside the dance troupe and the musicians on Cretan Night in Staten Island, NY. Photo: TNH/Michael Kakias
“They work with zeal, enthusiasm, and fresh ideas, with the primary goal of preserving and promoting the traditions and customs of our native land, Crete,” he said. “As the association’s name implies, they are hospitable people in many different ways. Hospitable toward their fellow human beings and hospitable to the youth and children through the many programs they implement.”
“Events like today’s keep the spirit alive and sustain our ability to remain here as Cretans, while inspiring our children to continue doing the same,” Kastrinakis stated.
Musician Ilias Choreftakis warmly thanked the audience for their enthusiastic welcome and affection.
“This is my 18th visit to New York, and I am truly impressed every time by the vibrancy and spirit of the Cretans here,” he said. “I feel as though I am on the island itself. They hold the banner of their homeland high, and they deserve great praise.”
Dance instructor Markos Plimakis noted that the association’s dance program is divided into three age groups (ranging from 4 to 17 years old), with classes held every Sunday at the Katsoris Center.
