Young Greek Australians of Cretan origin were in the spotlight of the 37th National Convention of the Cretan Federation of Australia and New Zealand, which was held in Melbourne and concluded earlier this week.

Their dance group performances, their zealous participation in the event and their overall conduct impressed all participants, who attested that Cretans in Oceania are doing a great job of keeping younger generations involved in keeping traditions alive.

Hosted by the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria, in conjunction with the Pancretan Association of Melbourne, the six-day event featured meetings, talks, tours, participation in the Epiphany celebration – and a series of joyous parties.

Presidents of the Cretan Brotherhood of Melbourne and Victoria and of the Pancretan Association, with the musicians that played at the Cretan Glendi.

 

The annual convention is an opportunity for members of the Cretan community to meet, discuss and collaborate on a range of important issues, but also to form new friendships and renew old ones.

Attending the convention was the Consul General of Greece in Melbourne Christina Simantiraki, Bishops Ezekiel and Iakovos, as well as the current president of the World Council of Cretans, Mr Emmanuel Velivasakis, from New York.

The highlight of the meeting was the Cretan Glendi that took place on Saturday at the Cretan Village (90 Cathies lane, Wantirna South), with a performance by Giorgos & Nikos Stratakis, featuring Dimitris Zografakis.