WHITESTONE – Cyprus Night at the Holy Cross community’s Vasilios and Athanasia Kartsonis Hall in Whitestone celebrated Cypriot food, music, culture, and heritage, on September 29. The dinner dance drew members of the community not only from Cyprus or with roots in Cyprus, but from all regions of Greece to honor the traditions of the island nation and also show support for the ongoing struggles of Cyprus.

Among those present at the event, New York City Council Member Costa Constantinides, who although he does not represent the Whitestone area, works closely with Council Member Paul Vallone on the issues affecting Queens. Constantinides spoke about his roots in Asgata, Cyprus. Elected to the City Council in 2013 with over 65% of the vote, he became the first Greek-Cypriot elected to office in New York City, and was re-elected for a second term in 2017 with over 93% of the vote. Constantinides, always proud of his heritage, would like to make the community proud, he said, in his run for Queens Borough President.

The music was performed by the talented musicians Demetris Michael on vocals and keyboard and Leonidas Eracleous on violin and bouzouki. They skillfully played classic Cypriot songs and popular Greek favorites and kept the dance floor crowded all night. Eleni Galitsis, co-organizer of the event, gave the welcoming remarks, thanking all those present, and acknowledging the efforts of the co-organizers, and especially, Xenis Thoma, for his time, effort, and the food, all donated.

Traditional Cypriot favorites were served including sheftalies, keftedakia, koupes, loukanika, koupepia, and halloumi. For dessert, those in attendance enjoyed dachtila, bourekia, and the citrus-flavored cake known as kaloprama. Cypriot beer was also available at the event.

Also present were Pancyprian Cultural Division director Ismini Michaels, and Pancyprian Association Women’s Issues Network president Dr. Dia Christodoulidou as well as many members of the community, family and friends.

A display featured items from a traditional Cypriot home including an old-fashioned lamp, iron, baskets, and textiles. Traditional Cypriot dresses were also on display, demonstrating the fine work and attention to detail.

When asked what she thought of the event, one of the youngest in attendance at almost 7 years old, Barbara Andreou, told The National Herald that her favorite thing was the dancing and the koupes, adding that she is looking forward to next year’s Cyprus Night.

Some of the items on display from the traditional Cypriot home. Photo by Eleni Sakellis

A small table was set with an embroidered tablecloth and an oil lamp, among other traditional Cypriot items. Photo by Eleni Sakellis