Boston Cretan Society Celebrates Its 115th Anniversary

BOSTON:. – The Boston Cretan Society “Radamanthys–Idi” marked the 115th anniversary of its founding with a festive dance celebration at the community center of the Taxiarchae parish in Watertown, MA. Approximately 350 people attended, including many children and young adults whose presence underscored the Society’s enduring vitality.

Kostas Travayiakis, former president of the Society and a distinguished member known for his research on Cretans of the Diaspora, told The National Herald that “the establishment of the Society dates back to 1910, founded by pioneering Cretans who had begun organizing as early as 1901.” He added, “This year, we their descendants—honoring their memory and contributions—held this successful celebration. Our children’s and youth dance groups gave a special tone and color to the evening, offering both testimony and promise that they will continue to keep alive the memories and traditions of Crete, the homeland of their ancestors.”

Travayiakis emphasized that the participation of “fifty-five children of all ages created a truly unique atmosphere, sending messages of hope to the Greek-American community of Boston. They danced the traditional dances of Crete with great pride, as worthy inheritors of our tradition.”

He also reminded attendees that “our youth is both the present and the future. We must never forget this if we wish to preserve the cultural heritage that has nourished our tradition for centuries.” He cited a well-known mantinada: “A people who forgets their tradition and does not remember it falls into the slumber of decline from which they never awaken.”

As in past years, musicians traveled from Crete especially for the occasion—Manos Lironis (lyra), Giorgos Skoulas, and Kostas Diakinisakis (laouto)—filling the hall with authentic Cretan melodies and a vibrant celebratory spirit.

Society president Michalis Terzakis coordinated the evening with care, assisted by Haris Filippakis and Vasilis Frangos.

The dance program was led by Sofia Travayiakis, who, together with Georgia Psykaraki and Katerina Fragkiadaki-Mytaras, joyfully teaches Cretan traditions to younger generations, beginning with the youngest dancers. The team also supported fundraising efforts through the evening’s raffle. Society secretary Nikos Psykarakis contributed significantly by creating and promoting the Society’s new website and implementing electronic payment options.

The dinner was prepared by chefs Giannis Avyssinos-Sfakianakis and Nikos Ntaliadakis, supported by Dimitrios Melidonis, Lefteris Travayiakis, Giannis Grylou, Nikos Gaitanakis, Dimitris Binieris, Emmanouil Markis, and Kostas Travayiakis, all of whom worked diligently to offer a meal rich in the flavors of Crete.

Maria Binieris and Charoula Travayiakis decorated the hall and ensured smooth coordination throughout the evening. Michalis and Anastasia Psykarakis also provided valuable assistance in the event’s organization.

“We would like to express, through The National Herald, our heartfelt thanks to the wider Greek-American community of Boston and New England for their overwhelming participation and for sharing our joy,” Travayiakis said. “We also thank the Maliotis Cultural Center, and especially its executive director, Chrysoula Kourkounti, for the continuous and invaluable support it offers to the Boston Cretan Society.”

He concluded by noting that “the Society’s 115th anniversary finds us strengthened and determined to continue our efforts—to become the tracks upon which the youth’s train will journey into the future.”

Source: https://www.thenationalherald.com/boston-cretan-society-celebrates-its-115th-anniversary/