Balkan visitors happy customers at bouzouki clubs
Greece’s embassies in its neighboring states are well used to getting dozens of letters daily with various requests, usually for visas to visit Greece, but one particular letter that was recently sent to the consul general in Sofia was unprecedented. «Your Excellency,» the letter began (in excellent Greek). «Please forgive me for bothering you, but I would be extremely pleased if you would give my letter your attention. For some years I have been studying the Greek language and culture. At the language center that I have directed for the past five years, I have been very successful in promoting Hellenism among young people from Varna and Sofia. I have often visited Greece and always come away with the best of impressions. Normally I would not dream of imposing on you, but I have the following problem and I am sure that you are the only person able to solve it. My favorite Greek performer, Yiannis Ploutarchos, will be singing at the Fix Club in Thessaloniki on April 1. All my efforts to get seats have been in vain. If you can help me attend the concert you will have helped me attain a dream. «I thank you for your attention and remain respectfully yours, Svetlana S., Varna, March 3, 2006.» This young Bulgarian woman’s «dream» was not realized – at least not just yet – since it did not come under diplomatic jurisdiction. However, many of her compatriots, and people from other neighboring Balkan states, Slav-Macedonians, Albanians and Serbs are in the habit of descending on Thessaloniki and other towns in northern Greece – those who can afford it go as far as Athens – to have a night out, «Greek-style,» listening to their favorite singer. Former Albanian prime minister Fatos Nano’s regular visits to Thessaloniki clubs often feature in his country’s media. On one occasion, photos of him tossing carnations at singer Peggy Zina caused a political uproar in Albania as it came on a day of mourning for 17 young children killed in a road accident. Not everyone north of the border can afford to come south and many have to settle for CDs and hope that one day they will be lucky. Along the borders, however, people have come in much closer contact since the end of the Cold War, and when they get together at village festivals and other celebrations, all «sing the same Balkan song.»
