Celebrating Greek Day in dance, folklore, food

Guests entertained by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, who presented folk dances from different regions of the Hellenic nation. In regal costumes with songs and dances from Epirus and Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, Crete, Rethymnon, Pontos and the Peloponnese, the audience learnt very quickly and melodically a little in one night about Greek’s rich costumes, […]

Guests entertained by the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, who presented folk dances from different regions of the Hellenic nation.
In regal costumes with songs and dances from Epirus and Thessaly, Macedonia, Thrace, Crete, Rethymnon, Pontos and the Peloponnese, the audience learnt very quickly and melodically a little in one night about Greek’s rich costumes, folklore and other traditions.
In his opening remark, Greek Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E. Alekos Ikonomopoulos, said his country appreciates the leading role Nigeria is playing in African affairs, its attachment to peace and security, as well as its upcoming support to preserve democracy and secure development for Nigeria. “These are important parameters of the progressive foreign policy of Nigeria, and indeed highly valued by my country,” he said.
Adding: “Economic and trade relations between both countries, although are not on a satisfactory level, but according to their potentials could be improved upon. Consequently, we should endeavour to strengthen ties between our two countries.”
The envoy stressed his desire, “to ensure that all pending bilateral agreements between both our countries will be concluded and ratified during my tenure.”
Kano State Governor, Alhaji Rabiu Kwankwaso, who was recognised by the Embassy for his developmental projects in his state, especially in education, was presented with an original bust of the Greek goddess of health, Hygeia.
For first timer in Africa, Anastasios Plitsis, a member of the Lyceum Club of Greek Women, said he knew very little about Nigeria, a big country with oil and gold but poor people.
The 50-year-old, who has been a part of the group for 26 years said: “I was delighted and taken aback to see them respond to our music and dance. I was surprised to see a full hall and how lively the audience was. It was clear they liked the dance.”
Plitsis said it took the 24-strong troupe one month to prepare for the performance and added that he looks forward to another performance in Nigeria. The group went on to perform in Lagos.
The evening ended with a delightful Greek gastronomy experience as all present went over and over again to get extra helpings.