GARDEN CITY, NY – Traditional Greek music and aromas of spanakopitas and lemon potatoes filled the Garden City Senior Center on August 7, as more than 60 seniors gathered for a morning celebrating Greek culture. Presented by siblings John Tsioulias, a rising high school senior, and Anna Tsioulias, a second-year medical student, the program offered attendees an introduction to Greek history and cultural traditions.
Entitled ‘Welcome to Greece: A Cultural Crash Course’, the presentation enhanced participants’ knowledge of the country’s rich history, language, national holidays, traditional cuisine, and cultural values including philoxenia, or hospitality. Beyond just learning about Greek culture, seniors were invited to experience it firsthand through learning the traditional dance Hasaposeviko, as well as sampling authentic dishes and enjoying live Greek music.
Siblings John and Anna Tsioulias presented ‘Welcome to Greece: A Cultural Crash Course’ at the Garden City Senior Center on August 7. Photo: Courtesy of Anna Tsioulias
“This was by far the most exciting, well-put together program we’ve had at the senior center,” said Angela Stergiopoulos, a Garden City resident who attended the event. “I definitely gained a deeper appreciation for and understanding of Greek culture, and it was a very fun community event!”
Siblings John and Anna Tsioulias presented ‘Welcome to Greece: A Cultural Crash Course’ at the Garden City Senior Center on August 7. Photo: Courtesy of Anna Tsioulias
For John and Anna Tsioulias, the event provided an opportunity to share a culture that has been an important part of their lives with the Garden City community they have called home for the past 17 years.
Siblings John and Anna Tsioulias presented ‘Welcome to Greece: A Cultural Crash Course’ at the Garden City Senior Center on August 7. Photo: Courtesy of Anna Tsioulias
“We hoped we could help attendees not just learn about Greece’s history and customs, but also better appreciate and experience the warmth and sense of connection that define Greek culture,” John Tsioulias said. “Seeing everyone dancing, eating, and truly enjoying themselves certainly brought a big smile to my face.”
Participants learning the traditional dance Hasaposeviko at the Garden City Senior Center on August 7. Photo: Courtesy of Anna Tsioulias
Participants learning the traditional dance Hasaposeviko at the Garden City Senior Center on August 7. Photo: Courtesy of Anna Tsioulias
