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| THE MONTREAL GREEK TIMES GOPHER NEWS SERVICE |
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July 2026
Cretan culture on full display at annual gathering
(GIF) article photo
By Dominique Speri
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A hall filled with the sound of the lyra and the measured steps of
traditional dance set the tone at the Palace Convention Centre in
Laval on March 28, 2026, where members of the Cretan community and
their guests gathered for the annual dance of the Cretans’
Association of Montreal. The evening unfolded as both a cultural
affirmation and a civic gathering, bringing into focus the continuity
of language, music, and heritage among Greek Canadians while
highlighting the role of community institutions in sustaining
regional identity across generations.
The program opened with welcoming remarks that framed the evening as
a milestone for the association’s cultural work. “Tonight is very
special,” one speaker told attendees, noting the presence of
visiting artist Antonis Martzakis and his ensemble from Kissamos,
Crete. The address also underscored the scale of youth
participation, with organizers pointing to “90 of our children
wearing traditional Cretan costumes,” a visible marker of continuity
that resonated across the ballroom.
Throughout the evening, dance groups performed in coordinated
formations, their movements reflecting regional styles preserved
through years of instruction within the association. Rows of dancers
in traditional red and white attire moved in unison across the
floor, their steps guided by the steady rhythm of live musicians
positioned at the rear of the hall.
Younger performers were also featured prominently, including children
who took the floor individually and in groups, drawing sustained
applause from families seated along the perimeter.
In an interview conducted for this newspaper, association president
Emmanuel Revelakis placed the event within a broader community context.
Attendance exceeded expectations, with “more than 750 people” present, a
figure he described as a “huge success” compared with previous years.
The turnout, he said, reflected both the appeal of the featured artist
and the continu ed strength of the association’s dance programs. “People
came for the artist and for the children who dance, and their families,”
he noted, emphasizing the intergenerational character of the gathering.
The event also drew the presence of officials and dignitaries visiting
Montreal for Greek Independence Day commemorations, including Greece’s
Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, himself of Cretan origin. He
addressed attendees and remarked on the scale of participation, stating
that he “did not expect to see so many people” at a community dance,
before offering a traditional verse associated with Crete. Local
representatives and community leaders were also in attendance,
reinforcing the event’s standing within the broader civic landscape.
Beyond the performances, the evening functioned as a social gathering
anchored in shared customs. Guests dined together and remained engaged
throughout the program, with many joining in later dances. Revelakis
described the highlight of the night succinctly as “the celebration, the
full celebration,” reflecting a sense of collective participation that
extended beyond the stage.
The Cretans’ Association of Montreal has long positioned its annual
dance as a focal point for cultural transmission, combining music,
language, and costume within a structured community event.
Its activities throughout the year include dance instruction and
cultural programming aimed at younger members, reinforcing ties to Crete
while situating those traditions within the Canadian context.
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