Thousands gather for Crete burial of composer Theodorakis

ATHENS

Thousands of people have turned out on the southern Greek island of Crete to pay their final respects to Greek music great and politician Mikis Theodorakis. The composer is to be buried in a village near the city of Chania in accordance with his last wishes. Theodorakis, an integral part of the Greek political and musical scene for decades, died last Thursday in Athens at the age of 96. His body lay in state in a chapel of the Athens Cathedral for three days from Monday to Wednesday, before being transported to Crete by ferry overnight. Thousands awaited him on the island, and many lined up to visit his casket.