Business Insider published a tear-jerking tribute to one of the last people in Greece who still creates phyllo dough from hand, 86-year-old Giorgos Hatziparaskos.
In the local community of Rethymno, Crete, where he opened his bakery in 1960, Hatziparaskos is famous. Locals flock to buy his famous handmade phyllo and tourists to taste his renowned baklava and kadaifi.
"At the age of 86, George Hatziparaskos is one of the last bakers in Greece, who creates a handmade sheet. With the help of his wife and son, he keeps the business alive thanks to the tourists who visit the Greek island of Crete" is the caption that accompanies the Business Insider video that has gathered over 147k reactions and 6.5k comments.
In the video, Hatziparaskos is shown 'doing his thing' alongside his wife Katerina and their son Paraskevas.
The 86-year-old Cretan baker loves opening the doors of his traditional bakery in Rethymno, to food lovers from around the world, allowing them to peek into the traditional pastry-making practices that are rarely seen in the country anymore.
Hatziparaskos says it is a very tedious and difficult job, but it is what keeps him alive.
Due to the covid-19 pandemic and the decline in tourism, the family business has suffered a great loss.
We are somewhat more hopeful that the travel industry will revive in 2021 and foodies are able to meet Giorgos Hatziparaskos and try his delicious handmade creations.