Haniotika Nea | August 9, 2025 The Cultural Association of Elos, Limni, and Louchio, also know as the "Renaissance," hosted a special evening of music and dance for approximately 400 Cretans visiting from America.  The event was held at the former Innahori city hall and featured performances by ten bands, two dance clubs, and the Rizita group from Kissamos. The gathering was initiated by Yiannis Bertakis, a villager of Elos who now lives in America for 53 years. Read more about the guests and the cultural experience enjoyed by all attendees.

HANIOTIKA NEA | August 8, 2025 Read about the inauguration/ribbon cutting ceremony of the Epilepsy Clinic taking place on August 11 in PAGNI. Dignitaries, place and time are provided. On August 6, members of the PAA from around the world gathered at the Historic cafe "KIPOS" and were greeted by the owner Mr. Vasilis Stathakis. All attendees received a complimentary book "Cross the Ocean" by Niki Troullinou. 

Hania.news | August 7, 2025 Two events are highlighted in this article. The inauguration/ribbon cutting ceremony of the Epilepsy Clinic on August 11 in PAGNI. Dignitaries, place and time are provided. On August 6, members of the PAA from around the world gathered at the Historic cafe "KIPOS" and were presented with the release of a new book "Cross the Ocean" by Niki Troullinou. 

RETHNEA.GR | August 4, 2025  The General Assembly of the World Council of Cretans (WCC) recently convened in Rethymno, focusing on the significant contributions of expatriate Cretans both abroad and in Greece.

At the assembly, WCC President Nikos Kastrinakis welcomed official guests. The event highlighted numerous initiatives by WCC federations and members worldwide aimed at preserving Cretan identity. President Diane Kounalakis presented the Pancretan Association of America's (PAA) fundraising efforts for the establishment of the first Epilepsy Unit at the University Hospital of Heraklion.

ZARPA NEWS | August 3, 2025 Cretans from all over the world danced syrtaki to the music of Mikis Theodorakis. "It was our obligation to honor Mikis Theodorakis. We wanted a participatory way because that's what Mikis Theodorakis was like," explained Nikos Kastrinakis, president of the World Council of Cretans. The event was organized by the Municipality of Chania and the World Council of Cretans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the great composer.

neakriti.gr | August 3, 2025  The General Assembly of the World Council of Cretans (WCC) took place with strong participation at the "THEOMITOR" Social & Cultural Ministry Center in Rethymno. Nikos Kastrinakis, President of the WCC, extended a warm welcome to the official guests which included representatives from the island's political, religious, and military authorities in attendance. Information regarding their 2026 conference will become more specific after the August 10th announcement.

Haniotika Nea | August 3, 2025  Nikos Kastrinakis, president of the World Council of Cretans, and Diane Kounalakis, president of the Pancretan Association of America shared insights with "Haniotika Nea" on connecting young diaspora Cretans with their heritage. Their interview underscored the role of cultural, educational, and philanthropic events in preserving local traditions.

Haniotika Nea | "100 Years of Mikis Theodorakis"  The Municipality of Chania and the World Council of Cretans are co-organizing the honorary event of the birth of Mikis Theodorakis on Sunday. August 3, at the Venetian Port of Chania. Read more about the details of this event and the unique participation of associations from around the world. (July 30, 2025)

Arnaoutakis Meet with the Leadership of the Pancretan Association of America The Region of Crete supported the PAA National Dance Workshop in New York in March of this year. President Diane Kounalakis and Executive Vice President, Nikos Kastrinakis, visited the Governor of Crete, Stavros Arnaoutakis to express on behalf of the Greek diaspora their thanks and presented the Governor with a commemorative phot of the participants as a sign of gratitude and honor. (July 23, 2025)

Greek America Foundation | June 2025 Congratulations to PAA President Diane Kounalakis, who was among 22 extraordinary women honored at the Greek America Foundation's 2025 Gabby Awards.  The prestigious event, held on June 7, 2025, at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, celebrated  women whose professional accomplishments and community leadership exemplify the foundation’s core values of excellence and philanthropy.  You can learn more about Diane Kounalakis's recognition in this YouTube video:  2025 Gabby Awards Honoree Diane Kounalakis.

RETHNEA.GR | JUNE 6, 2025 Read the recent article in RETHEMNIOTIKA NEA by clicking the link or scanning the QR code. PAA President Diane Kounalakis and World Council of Cretans President Nikos Kastrinakis discuss the upcoming 49th National Convention in West Palm Beach, Florida.

ZARPA NEWS March 4, 2025 Click on the link or use the QR code to read the recent article published in the ZARPA NEWS.  President Diane Kounalakis shares the many philanthropic endeavors of the PAA in Crete and the recent support of the first Epilepsy Monitoring Unit at the University Hospital of Heraklion.

CLICK HERE to read the latest article on the PAA Philanthropic efforts as reported in the Haniotika Nea, February 5, 2024

Xaniotika Nea article highlighting the visit of former PAA President James Boutzoukas, current Executive VP John Marakis and General Supervisor Nickos Kastrinakis visiting the Typographical Museum, 2022