Airport Christmas tree adorned with handmade ornaments, Lefkara lace

A Christmas tree decorated with handmade ornaments showcasing traditional Cypriot handicrafts was lit up at Larnaca airport on Friday by Energy Minister Natasa Pilides and Hermes Airports CEO Eleni Kalogirou.

A collaboration between Hermes Airports and the handicraft service, the ornaments “offer visitors a multi-dimensional image of our culture,” an announcement on Saturday said.

Over 25 craftsmen from the handicraft service embroidered ornaments using Lefkara lace techniques and basket weavers from Larnaca weaved stars to decorate the tree, while all Christmas décor at both Larnaca and Paphos airports was created using patterns found on traditional outfits.

At the same time, each tree has a QR code that once scanned, will lead visitors to a special website providing more information on Cypriot handicrafts.

Pilides told reporters that her ministry wants to conserve the island’s intangible cultural heritage through initiatives that allow younger generations to learn and get involved in traditional crafts, and generate more work in the handicrafts sector.

“Cypriot crafts are not a museum item simply showcasing our history, but a living organism that inspires local communities and becomes a springboard for new routes,” she said.

“It is a great pleasure that our efforts are being embraced by our airports, offering visitors a first taste of our traditional crafts which they can discover themselves during their visit”.