Cypriot villages are at their best right now, welcoming local and foreign visitors and hosting annual local festivals, full of traditional flavours. This week and in the weeks to come, rural communities are putting together exciting programmes with activities and performances for all to enjoy.

Tomorrow, two villages host music nights. Rembetiko song and folk music will sound at Tembria village square on Wednesday as the musical ensemble Epea Pteroenta will perform live at 9.30pm. Joining the group will be Christos Petro who will add to the uplifting mood of the night. What’s more, their performance is free to attend.

Spilia village will also welcome a trio of musicians this Wednesday. Rembetiki Fatrias will present a Greek repertoire called Ta Tragoudia tis Pareas, performing live at 9pm with free entry to all at the Spilia Cultural Centre

Also happening this week are two long-established rural festivals. The Dionysia Grape Festival will return to Lania village after a 30-year break. Held on August 16 at the village’s Community Park, the festival will include a live performance by the Valea music ensemble, Cypriot dancing and satire and of course plenty of wine and food.

The 42nd Lefkara Festival is also on this week, with events on until Sunday and an extra day on August 24. As August continues, more rural communities will host traditional celebrations, highlighting Cypriot culture and bringing life back into the agro-villages.

Rembetiko-Folk Night

Live music by musical ensemble Epea Pteroenta. August 14. Tembria village square, Nicosia district. 9.30pm. Free. Tel: 99-110066, 99-750359

Ta Tragoudia tis Pareas

Rembetiki Fatrias live. August 14. Spilia Cultural Centre, Nicosia district. 9pm. Free. Tel: 99-890672

Τa Dionysia Grape Festival

Local festival with performances and wine varieties. August 16. Lania village, Limassol district. 8.30pm. €20 with food. Tel: 99-551521, 25-432333

42nd Lefkara Festival

Annual cultural festival with live performances, exhibitions and more. Until August 17 and on 24. Lefkara village, Larnaca district. www.lefkara.org.cy