A restored bust of Cretan folk music legend Nikos Xylouris will soon be returned to its place in the center of Iraklio after it was vandalized last month, local authorities said.
The bust, located in Kyprou Square and created by the late sculptor Aspasia Papadoperaki, was knocked off its pedestal about 10 days ago by unknown vandals, sustaining damage. It has since been transported to a specialist art foundry in Athens for restoration. Authorities said the exact date of its reinstallation has not yet been determined.
Municipal officials have filed a complaint against unknown perpetrators, and police are investigating. The motive for the vandalism remains unclear.
Speaking at the municipal council, Mayor Alexis Kalokairinos emphasized the importance of protecting public property, while cautioning against calls for heightened surveillance of public artworks.
“The protection of public space is everyone’s responsibility. It is not a matter of policing that would operate as an all-seeing overseer within the city. I don’t think any of us would want that,” he said.
Born in 1936 in the village of Anogeia, Xylouris – known as “Psaronikos” – rose from rural Cretan roots to become one of Greece’s most influential folk musicians, celebrated for his mastery of the lyra and his collaborations with leading composers. He also became a cultural symbol during the country’s military rule. Xylouris died in 1980 at age 43, but his music remains widely popular in Greece.
Papadoperaki, a Knossos-born sculptor, writer and set designer, died days before the vandalism of her work, at the age of 84.