Cypriot tradition comes alive at Limassol AGORA

A one-day fair offers something from the island for everyone. And, discovers ELENI PHILIPPOU, more are set to follow

Experiences and goodies straight from Cyprus’ villages are coming to its most multicultural city next weekend. Limassol AGORA is putting together a one-day fair, set to be turned into a monthly affair, that will highlight many of the island’s traditional treasures. Local food, games, a live radio link and crafts will fill the Limassol Agora on July 30 as the event opens its doors to all.

Families, locals, tourists, expats, and newcomers to Cyprus are all invited to join the Cyprus Traditional Day, based on a village Panagiri, as Limassol AGORA plans to have something for everyone. From 10am to 6pm, an array of activities will take place that will entice all five senses. Local delicacies, handicrafts and games that date back decades will invite visitors to step into Cyprus’ traditions. In essence, that is also the intention of the day, to honour generational traditions with the participation of village producers who will bring local products and other activities that connect many to their Cypriot roots.

Limassol AGORA is a multipurpose venue in the heart of Limassol old town. For over 100 years it was the home of Limassol’s municipal market. Today Limassol AGORA has a number of street food vendors covering cuisines from all over the world, a rooftop bar, a lounge-club and retail shops. It also offers spaces for popup shop rental and the organisation of social activities and private functions.

Throughout the day next Saturday, a bazaar will be set up selling local delicacies. Think loukoumades, spoon sweets, koupes and bombes – a classic Cypriot sweet treat often found at one-day fairs.

For anyone opting for a savoury kick, there will be even more treats to try. Mr Leonides from Ayios Mamas village will be making Cyprus resi, a slow-cooked goat and lamb dish with whole wheat that is traditionally linked to Cypriot weddings. Tsamarella, sun-dried goat meat, a centuries-old local delicacy will also make an appearance. To wash it down, there will be village bread and Commandaria wine. Hand-weaved baskets and other traditional Cypriot handicrafts will also be available.

A live demonstration, meanwhile, will show how anari and halloumi cheese are made, and in the early afternoon the cheeses will be ready for guests to try. Adding to the day’s Cypriot feel, a pop-up coffee shop organised in collaboration with Kafes Laikou will serve Cypriot coffee for free, prepared in the traditional way, over heated sand.

Elsewhere, two shadow theatre performances starring Karagiozis, and arts and crafts workshops will entertain families while a backgammon competition invites guests of all ages to play with the chance of winning €100.

A more contemporary game that still oozes Cypriot-ness is the table game called Ate Olan. Similar to the popular game Taboo, the players compete to guess the Cypriot dialect word that appears on the top of the card without using a list of set words (most, if not, all in local dialect).

Anyone confident in their knowledge of the Cypriot language can join the all-day competition to win an Ate Olan game set. The competition is open to any two individuals playing together or groups of friends who wish to compete with each other in teams.

The fair’s full programme is available on the venue’s Facebook page and July’s event will not be a one off. With an aim to continue to highlight and support the island’s traditions and local producers, the Panagiri will become a repeat event at Limassol AGORA. As of September 2022, every first Saturday of the month will be dedicated to this funfair, with village producers and local artisans joining each time. Here’s to celebrating the island’s goods!

Cyprus Traditional Day

Funfair will local delicacies, produce, handicrafts, games and more. July 30. Limassol AGORA, Limassol. 10am-6pm. Facebook page @LimassolAGORA