An Unusual and Unique Argentinian custom that honors GREECE
By: Evi Martyn /founder
of Hellenic Culture
Advocacy
/This article was originally published in
"Hellenic Voice News Paper"
Lexington, Mass.
October 13, 2004 under
ARTS, CULTURE & EDUCATION
Preface:
As an advocate of Greece , its History and Culture, I feel
the obligation to explain to our wonderful readers the
following.
What you will read is a true experience I lived through during
my stay in Buenos Aires Argentina , while I was there in a
concert tour, representing the United States of America,
under the auspices of USICA ( United States International
Communications Agencies )
Enjoy the reading
During the late 1980's at the zenith of my career, as a pianist
I set forth on an extended concert tour to South America that
lasted four weeks, covering Peru, Chile, Argentina, Brazil.
After the first two weeks. I arrived in Buenos Aires Argentina where I was to spend the next eight days.-
I was met at the Airport by Mr. Nashelski , a representative of
the American Embassy, who offered to chauffer me to the
Hotel, where I was staying. since I was there on a very important work assignment , I explained to him that for the
next four days I would have to bury myself under my work,
but the rest of the time I would devote to sight seeing and
enjoying the wonderful City.-
Buenos Aires is a city of ten million people, with large boule-
vards , gorgeous parks, beautiful neoclassic buildings. It is as
flat as Los Angeles and totally European.
This city is the home of many different people who settled from all parts of the world, and one hears many languages spoken
in the streets, market places, restaurants, hotels, museums,
everywhere. For that it has earned the name
" The City of the strangers "
After finishing my work, I felt the need to treat myself to some
Argentinian experiences, I visited the National Museum, some
wonderful parks, took boat tours, visited the famous Opera
house," Teatro Colone",and even spent an evening at a local
club where I saw a performance of authentic Argentinian Tango.-
AN ARGENTINIAN PAMPAS
Mr. Nashelski , who had escorted me to some of the sights,
suggested that before I leave, I visit the famous
PERON PAMPAS
located about 10 miles north east of Buenos Aires.
A pampas is the equivalent of a hacienda, a large farm where
people cultivate the land, raise cattle, and engage in a farming
life.
I decided to do it , particularly when I heard this Pampas was
famous for the traditions and customs on display and the hospi-
tality and entertainment provided by the locals.-
It proved to be an unforgettable experience and to this
day it fills my heart for the most unusual and unique
custom Argentinians have been practicing in honor of
GREECE!!!!
I took a bus from my Hotel to the famous Argentinian Pampas that once housed Juan Peron, the President of Argentina and
his wife Evita, and their guests from all over the world.
It was a pleasant ride, with an excellent guide, and before we
dispersed we were told that customarily at noon we should all
come to the main building , a large gymnasium, where we
would be served the traditional beef for lunch, compliments of the hacienda.-
THE CEREMONY OF THE FLAG
After two exhausting hours of browsing through, fantastic local
ARTS and CRAFTS, I made my way to the large building and
set down waiting for lunch.
The room was enormous, long tables, and picnic benches,
a large stage, appeared at the end of the room, curtains drawn,
a master of ceremonies at hand informed us that after lunch
there was going to be a performance by local artists singing
ballads, and the immortal Argentinian Tango , danced by two
superb local artists.
I estimated that there must have been around 500 hundred
people in the room, of ll nationalities , attending the event,
The performance began, lasting 40 unforgettable minutes.
At that moment our emcee called someone who began to bring
in the room canisters of various flags, of different countries.
Then, the emcee called different countries alphabetically and
asked for people who were citizens of those countries to stand
up and receive the flag of their county, as an honor.
It was very exciting moment, people were cheered and warmly
applauded, BUT, when reached the letter G I felt a terrible
disappointment because they passed over it without mentioning
GREECE. Why??? He continued and when he reached the letter U and called United States, I was among many visitors to
receive the American Flag with pleasure.-
The ceremony came to an end, everyone was happy and the
room was full of beautiful flags. As we were ready to adjourn
the emcee asked us to stay a minute longer because he had an
important announcement to make,......
He explained that in calling the names of countries, he left out
the name of a very SPECIAL country, not because he forgot it,
but because he wanted to honor it separate from all the others.
In Artentina, he said, they have a special respect for this country, which is given the world the lights of wisdom and is
the foundation of all civilizations.
He went on and on praising this country, I began to suspect
that he was talking about GREECE, and suddenly exclaimed
"" and this country is GRECIA"" his voice was covered
with loud cheers by the crowd, He then said,
"" anyone here today from Greece???"" I looked around,
but no one moved.. At that moment I got up and said aloud,
my voice full of emotion " I AM FROM GREECE "
In a barrage of applause, I walked up to the stage and received
an over sized Greek flag, and I hear him say,
" haven't I seen you before?? Of course I replied , I came representing the American delegation, this time I am back
representing my place of birth,!!!!!!..........
An emotional moment, extraordinary day, and once in a life
time experience to know how important GREECE is to the
world and respect it wields in far away places, such as
Argentina.
From Evi Martyn
supporter of Hellenic Culture
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