2018 FDF Minoan Dancers 1, Advanced Senior, semi-final

2018 FDF in San Francisco
Dances: Syganos, Sousta, Maleviziotis, Trizalis, Anogeianos Pidichtos
Musicians: Charilaos Pantermakis (lyra), Georgios Pantermakis (laouto), Ilias Degenakis (laouto)
Award: 1st Place, Advanced Senior Category

The setting is a "Rakokázana" taking place in a village of central Crete, Rethymno area, circa late 1800s/early 1900s. Rakokázana is a gathering of family and friends during the making of tsikoudia (τσικουδιά), which is also known as raki (ρακί) in eastern parts of Crete. The making of tsikoudia in Crete is cause for a celebration among family, friends and villagers who bring food and help in sampling the drink as it is being made and bottled. This φιλοξενία is reciprocated between families and friends who will host their own Rakokázana one day and then be hosted at another family member or friend's Rakokázana another day. Each Rakokázana is followed by a glendi with plentiful mezedes, food, tsikoudia, music, singing and dancing.