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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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Municipal officials have filed a complaint against unknown perpetrators, and police are investigating. The motive for the vandalism remains unclear.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe protection of public space is everyone\u2019s responsibility. It is not a matter of policing that would operate as an all-seeing overseer within the city. I don\u2019t think any of us would want that,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Born in 1936 in the village of Anogeia, Xylouris \u2013 known as \u201cPsaronikos\u201d \u2013 rose from rural Cretan roots to become one of Greece\u2019s 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\u2019s military rule. Xylouris died in 1980 at age 43, but his music remains widely popular in Greece.<\/p>\n
Papadoperaki, a Knossos-born sculptor, writer and set designer, died days before the vandalism of her work, at the age of 84.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n