The popular folk singer Vasilis Karras was laid to rest in his hometown of Kokkinochori, Kavala, on the afternoon of December 27, 2023. He died on Christmas Eve at the age of 70 after a long battle with cancer.
The small village of Pangaio, which was often benefited by the beloved singer and whose residents have only good things to say about him, was packed from early morning. Thousands of people, relatives, friends, colleagues, and ordinary people gathered to say their last goodbyes to the man they loved so much for his simplicity and integrity.
The procession of cars carrying Karras's body began in Thessaloniki and stopped briefly at the lush location of "Potamos", where the singer's estate is located. He had created it several years ago with great enthusiasm. The estate produces organic products and has a space for various events. There is also an exhibition space where Karras's collection of classic cars is housed.
Karras's body arrived in Kokkinochori at noon and was accompanied by his devoted wife, Christina, and his beloved daughter, Irene, who was always by his side. The funeral service was held at the small, picturesque church of Agios Nestoros, presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Eleutheroupolis.
Pangiaio Mayor Vasilis Anastasiadis spoke with words of emotion and love in his eulogy for the man who had linked his name with folk music and giving, the man who never forgot his roots for a moment.
According to a report from the Athens News Agency, Karras's house in the centre of the village was always open to all friends and relatives. Those who had the opportunity to visit him in person a few weeks before his health deteriorated spoke of his courage in facing his illness.
Karras was buried in the village cemetery, where friends and colleagues accompanied him with tears in their eyes. Among others, Antonis Remos, Paula, Nikos Oikonomopoulos, Zafeiris Melas, Sakis Arseniou, and Christos Menidiatis were there to say goodbye.
Friends and colleagues of Karras had hung small and large banners with words of love for him in the cemetery while musicians performed familiar and beloved songs, with which everyone gathered to say goodbye to him.
