Traditional festivals highlight local Cyprus life

The summer season is when traditional festivals take place all over the island celebrating local produce, traditional music and seasonal delights. In the first week of July, several events will entertain visitors, giving a taste of what the island offers.

Theros Festival

The Community Council of Aheritou organises the first Pan-Cypriot Cultural Festival of Theros on Saturday. The festival is named after the ancient Greek word ‘Theros’ meaning hot weather and heat and it arrives to signify the arrival of summer.

With an authentic traditional character, the festival will bring new generations in contact with older ones, reviving tradition and bringing visitors closer to Acheritou and the plains of Mesaoria. Visitors will have the opportunity to watch a rich artistic programme as well as the representation of the harvest. They will also have the opportunity to take part in the kneading and making of bread, to taste many products derived from wheat and to participate in many other activities. The central square of Aheritou Vrisoules will welcome guests from 7.30pm.

Fikardou Festival

Also happening on Saturday is a music and dance evening at Fikardou village. Vasiliki Hadjiadamou together with a group of six well known Cypriot musicians will take visitors on a journey with favourite songs of popular and folk traditions. Under the sounds of violin and lute, cannon, clarinet and bagpipes audiences will be taken to Smyrna, Thrace, Epirus, Akanthou, Avgorou, Kythira, Paros and Fikardou while the Paok Klirou dance group adds to the entertainment.

The Shepherd’s Festival

The village of Pachna will hold the 8^th annual Shepherd Festival on Sunday from 5pm in the Community Parking Area of the village. The programme includes a demonstration of the preparation of dairy products, a guided tour of the chapel of St Stefanou, donkey rides, a guided train tour, a milking of goats and sheep demonstration, a bazaar, tasting of dairy products (halloumi and anari), songs and traditional dances of Cyprus and pottery for children. All for free.

10^th Traditional Sotira Festival

Adding to the local festivals agenda is the Sotira Municipality Traditional Festival which has become an institution aiming to highlight Cypriot traditions and cultural heritage.

The 10th Traditional Festival will be held on July 4 in the forecourt of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Sotiros, and will include a traditional feast with the musical group of folk singer Yiannis Dionysios, a competition of love couplets and tsatista by folk poets, an exhibition of traditional professions and tasting of traditional Cypriot dishes.

1^st Pan-Cypriot Cultural Festival of Theros

Traditional festival with live music and local activities. July 1. Central square of Aheritou Vrisoules, Famagusta district. 7.30pm. Free

Fikardou Festival

Live music and dance by local artists. July 1. Fikardou village. 7.30pm. €15 with food and drink. Tel: 99-193080

The Shepherd’s Festival

Traditional festival with a bazaar, demonstration of local dairy products, guided tours and entertainment. July 2. Community Parking Area, Pachna village. 5pm

10^th Traditional Sotira Festival

Folklore music, competitions, traditional professions exhibition and local food. July 4. Holy Church of the Transfiguration of Sotiros, Sotira. 8pm. Free