With excitement, a vibrant Cretan spirit, and high participation, the 49th Convention of the Pancretan Association of America (PAA) began in West Palm Beach, Florida. Most Cretans arrived in West Palm Beach on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and had the opportunity to enjoy the Welcome Night. in which feelings of joy and emotion prevailed, as Cretans from all across America had the chance to meet, reconnect, exchange views, and reminisce about stories from the past. The Welcome Night ended with a true celebration by the youth, dancing into the early morning hours.
On Thursday, June 19, the official Opening Ceremony of the Convention took place with the flags and national anthems of Greece, Canada, and the United States. The ceremony included the recognition of dignitaries, as well as welcome remarks by the Chair of the Organizing Committee, Mr. Pantelis Esopakis, and the President of the local chapter “Cretan Voice” of West Palm Beach, Mr. Nikolaos Troullinos, which is hosting the Convention.
The President of the Pancretan Association of America, Ms. Diane Kounalakis, stated: “With over 100 delegates from our chapters and hundreds of participants, the 49th National Convention of the PAA has begun today in West Palm Beach. The Organizing Committee has done an outstanding job. We are excited to spend the next few days in Convention sessions where we will discuss all of the PAA’s initiatives for the benefit of our members and the work we carry out both in the U.S. and in Crete. Our members are deeply committed to preserving our Cretan heritage and to advancing the mission of the PAA.”
Following that, the President and members of the outgoing Executive Board delivered their reports. The President of the World Council of Cretans, Mr. Nikos Kastrinakis, after delivering his greeting and remarks, stated: “During this special week, the heart of Crete is beating in beautiful West Palm Beach, Florida. I can assure you, it is beating fast, strong, and proud, just as it deserves.”
A special moment was during the report given by the Chair of the Philanthropic Committee, Mrs. Evangelia Chobitaki, who highlighted that the Pancretan Association of America has contributed $294,653 over the last two years and a total of $517,581 over the past four years.
In the afternoon, members of the PAA Youth Network gathered for an amazing poolside party at the hotel, and the evening concluded with a grand dance organized by the Executive Director of the PAA Women’s Chapters, Ms. Irene Peros, and the Chair of the PAA Cultural Committee, Mr. Andreas Batakis. During the event, all PAA members who have served in the Armed Forces were honored. The evening continued with a cultural program featuring the dance group of the West Palm Beach chapter, which presented rizitika songs and traditional Cretan dances, followed by a spirited performance by the PAA dance group. The celebration and dancing continued into the early morning hours.
