Sinies Cultural Society in New York

(Sinies Educationsl and Cultural Society)

The first presentation of the Sinion Cultural Dance Society took place in New York with great success and enthusiasm, marking an important milestone in promoting the cultural heritage of North Corfu at an international level.

The mission, led by the Deputy Mayor of North Corfu and President of the Society, Yiannis Garnelis, was accompanied by prominent members of the local government and the Greek-American community: the Vice President of the Ionian Cultural Federation of America, Haris N. Pateroulakis, Greek-American businessman Vassilis Memmos, the Cultural Officer of North Corfu Municipality, Theodoros Mavronas, the representative of the Corfu Chamber of Commerce, Sofronios Splagounias, and the member of the Sinies Cultural Society, Nikolaos Sarakinos.

Meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America

During their visit to the Archdiocese of America, the mission had the joy and honour of meeting with Archbishop Elpidophoros. During the meeting, ways to strengthen tourism in North Corfu were discussed, with a focus on religious tourism and the organisation of international festivals.

Mr. Garnelis presented the Archbishop with a commemorative plaque, recognising his contribution to the promotion of Hellenism. In return, the Archbishop officially invited the Sinies Dance Ensemble to participate in the two largest folk festivals of the Archdiocese, in Florida and San Francisco. In his presence, Vassilis Memmos was also honoured for his dedication and contribution to Greek culture and his homeland, Corfu.

The Dance Ensemble presented traditional dances from various regions of Greece, in celebration of Greek Independence Day. The performance was recorded and broadcast through podcasts and reels, contributing to the promotion of Greek tradition to the broad audience of New York.

Appearance on Radio Station 77 WABC

Another special moment of the visit was the presence of the mission at radio station 77 WABC, where they were hosted by the prominent businessman and philanthropist Yiannis Katsimatides and his wife Margot.

Final Meeting of the Pan-Diaspora Federation

On Thursday, March 27, Mr. Garnelis attended the event of the Pan-Diaspora Federation, where he delivered an address. He also honoured the President of the Erikousa Association, Chris Manessis.

Diplomatic Contacts at the United Nations

Mr. Garnelis and Mr. Pateroulakis visited the offices of the Permanent Representation of Greece to the United Nations, where they met with the Honorable Mr. Ioannis Stamatakos. The meeting focused on proposals to strengthen Corfu's cultural and tourist presence at the international level.

Presence at the Official Dinner of the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York

On the evening of Saturday, March 29, the Deputy Mayor of Northern Corfu attended the official dinner of the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, where he had the opportunity to converse with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and philanthropist Mrs. Psarra, who expressed their desire to visit Greece and, specifically, Corfu.

Presence at the Official Dinner of the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York

On the evening of Saturday, March 29, the Deputy Mayor of North Corfu attended the official dinner of the Parade Committee of the Federation of Hellenic Societies of Greater New York, where he had the opportunity to converse with Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis and philanthropist Ms. Psarra, who expressed their desire to visit Greece and, specifically, Corfu.

Participation in the Events for the National Revolution

The Sinies Dance Ensemble played an active and distinguished role in the community’s celebrations for the Greek Revolution:

• Friday, March 28: Presence at the doxology at the Saint Nicholas Church at Ground Zero and participation in the ceremony of raising the Greek flag at Bowling Green, with an impressive folk programme filled with Greek dances and songs.

• Sunday, March 30: Presence at the doxology at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Manhattan and participation in the grand parade along with the Evzones, the Women’s Lyceum of Thessaloniki, and the St. Spyridon Community. The Society also had the honour of being photographed with the Presidential Guard unit.

Visits

The members of the Society found time to visit the sights of New York, including the Museum of Modern Art and the Metropolitan Museum, and to attend one of the Broadway performances.

A Living Message of Hellenism

The dynamic presence of the Sinies Cultural Society in New York proves that Corfu and its cultural identity can touch and inspire on a global level. Through the art of dance, the bonds of the Greek diaspora with the homeland are strengthened, and the message of Greek tradition is conveyed with pride and passion.

The Deputy Mayor of North Corfu and President of the Sinies Cultural Society, the board of directors, and the members of the Society would like to thank the Ionian Cultural Federation of America, its President and fellow townsman Nikos Bardi, and Vice President Haris Pateroulakis for their hospitality and the impeccable organisation of the trip. Special thanks to Spyridoula Tsoukalas, who accompanied the Society every step of the way and took care of all the details.

Photos: FB / Sinies Educationsl and Cultural Society