Crowds gathered from early Sunday afternoon in Nikaia, the birthplace of Giorgos Mazonakis, to pay their respects to the singer.
His body was placed in the Church of the Holy Trinity, where a public vigil continued into the night. The church remained open from 7:30 p.m. until the early hours of Monday so relatives, friends, colleagues, and fans could say a last goodbye.
Mazonakis died on Wednesday, September 9, at the age of 54. His death left his family, collaborators, and a large audience in mourning.
Family arrives at the church
The most affecting scenes came when his parents and sisters entered the church. Relatives embraced in tears. Friends and associates stood with them. Reports from inside and outside the church described his father breaking down at the coffin, and his sisters visibly overwhelmed.
Outside, people continued to arrive throughout the evening to honor an artist who grew up in Nikaia and built a long career in Greek popular music.
Funeral on Monday
The funeral service is set for Monday, September 14, at 1:00 p.m. at the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nikaia. After the service, the body will be taken to the Third Cemetery of Athens for burial.
Attendance at the burial is expected to be limited to family, close friends, and people from his inner circle. Mazonakis leaves a large catalogue of songs and a public that knew him for his distinctive voice and stage presence. In Nikaia, where he took his first steps, that public is now saying farewell.
🎥 Greek City Times reporter Daphne Tolis
