Feb 24, 2016
1. In Russia, leap years are thought to bring strange weather and an increased chance of death.
2. In Greece, 20% of couples avoid marrying in a leap year because it is rumored to be bad luck. Italians think the year is bad luck for any important event, because women supposedly behave erratically all year.
These are some fun facts from an article by Julie McCaffrey about the meaning of leap days throughout the world. February 29th only happens once every four years and 2016 is one of them, so keep reading to find out more about these unique days.
Feb 17, 2016
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announced that the 40th Anniversary of the Folk Dance and Choral Festival of the Metropolis of San Francisco took place February 11-14 at the Marriott Hotel in Anaheim, California. Over 2,500 participants and 1,000 family members came from thirty-four parishes across nine states to take part in the festival.
Feb 11, 2016
“Over forty years ago an inspired group of young Greek Orthodox men and women, their love for dance, the vision and leadership of their Youth Director and the support of their Bishop gave rise to the Greek Orthodox Youth Folk Dance Festival of the Fourth Archdiocese.”
This year, we celebrate the 40th anniversary of FDF. Marilyn Kromydas Yeatts, a director, founder, and member of the original St. Spyridon Aegean Dancers, has provided an updated history of how FDF was founded and what the first festival was like. Marilyn wrote this “new” history as part of the 40th festival, which starts today in Anaheim, CA.
Feb 10, 2016
Did you know that a Greek surname reveals a lot about history and geography? Greek names did not come about randomly – they reflect Greek customs over the centuries.
Feb 3, 2016
In preparation for Mardi Gras on February 9th, learn about the role of masks in the famous New Orleans celebration! While masks were not initially a key part of Mardi Gras, they have become a cultural symbol of New Orleans and Carnival. In his article “Something About Being Anonymous”: The New Orleans Mardi Gras Mask Market, Frank de Caro presents the history of the mask’s place in New Orleans culture.
