Christmas atmosphere at Larnaca and Paphos airports

In collaboration with the deputy ministry for culture and the Cyprus Handicrafts Centre, Larnaca and Paphos airports are celebrating Christmas with handmade ornaments inspired by Cypriot folk art and tradition.

More than 25 craftswomen embroidered Lefkaritiko motifs and created ornaments, while basket weavers at the Multispace of Creativity and Culture in Larnaca made some from straw, and sculptors created hand painted figures for the Christmas trees at the airports.

The trees also have QR codes on them that lead to a website where visitors can learn about the art of lefkaritiko, fythkiotiko, the story of the Cyprus Handicraft Center etc.

Throughout December various events will be held at Larnaca and Paphos airports, including performances by the Sistema orchestra, which offers music educational workshops to immigrant and refugee children, or children with limited resources.

Other events include a performance by the School for the Deaf and a Christmas Bazaar with items that support the work of Sophia for Children. Christmas violin sounds, and dancers will welcome passengers and the visitors of the airports throughout December.

“Airports are also spaces to promote modern culture and the heritage of each country. We are pleased to witness the collaboration between the airports and the Deputy Ministry for Culture as the history and rich culture of our country will be showcased to thousands of visitors,” Deputy Minister for Culture Yiannis Toumazis said turning the lights on at Larnaca airport.

“As an organisation, we always aim to promote Cypriot art, and the rich cultural identity of our country at Larnaca and Paphos airports,” Chief Executive Officer of Hermes Airports Eleni Kaloyirou added.

Hermes Airports also supports the Adopt a Family for Christmas campaign of the Pancyprian Volunteerism Coordinative Council, aiming to leave no family and no child without food or toys at this time of year.