Workshops with Cypriot artisans, grandmothers travelling to the capital from rural villages and local crafters are taking place this Sunday at The Gardens of the Future as an event is planned within the European Heritage Days: Living Heritage initiative.

A day devoted to celebrating Cyprus’ local traditions will unfold between 11am and 4pm as a series of educational workshops take place at the old Nicosia venue. A limited number of visitors will be able to participate in free workshops and learn about ancestral techniques and rituals in relation to food, music and craftsmanship.

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“In an effort to protect our shared heritage,” say organisers, “experts will come across the island (north, south, east, west) to the gardens for one day only to share their knowledge. Eight hands-on workshops will take place and give the opportunity to participants to learn from our rich and diverse culture. At lunch, a traditional Cypriot ‘Boukkoma’ will be shared followed by a participatory discussion on Heritage: A Vehicle for Preserving our Identity, Unity, and Sustainability.”

Four workshops will happen in the morning between 11am and 1pm, ranging from a kids-friendly, Cypriot pasta-making workshop and a trahanas workshop to palouze and bourekia workshops as well as a clay workshop. The afternoon sessions will include a Christmas wreath workshop, Cypriot flute-making and straw stool-making. Although the event is free to attend and open to all, registration is required for the workshops as just 10 participants are allowed for each one.

Heritage Days

8 creative workshops celebrate Cyprus’ traditions. Supported by: European Heritage Days, European Commission, Council of Europe, Department of Town Planning and Housing – Cyprus Government. November 19. Gardens of the Future, Nicosia. 11am-4pm. Free. Registrations needed. Facebook event: Heritage Days. [email protected], [email protected]