Page 17 - Annual Magazine 2017

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EVENTS | AROUND CYPRUS
LIMASSOL WINE FESTIVAL standing proudly at the entrance
The history of wine-making in of the Municipal Gardens as the
Cyprus dates back to at least emblem of the Wine Festival.
2000 BC, and many great wines The four major wineries in
LIMASSOL CARNIVAL are said to have originated Cyprus (KEO, LOEL, ETKO and
Named ‘the coolest Carnival outside of Rio’ by none other than the from Cypriot grapes. It is only SODAP) as well as a number of
CNN, the Limassol Carnival is certainly a sight to behold. It begins 10 fitting therefore, that one week small independent producers are
days before Lent, on what is traditionally known as ‘Tsiknopempti,’ during the year is dedicated all present at the Wine Festival,
or ‘Stinky Thursday.’ It is the day that ‘King Carnival’ makes to celebrating what was once offering visitors a taste of their
his entrance parade into Limassol, accompanied by the famous known as the nectar of the Gods. wares in unlimited amounts for
‘Kantadoroi’ or serenaders singing traditional Carnival tunes. Hosted annually at the end of just the price of a small souvenir
Musicians and dancers fill Limassol’s streets and squares, and parties August, the 11-day Wine Festival glass. Visitors can enjoy
for crazily-attired individuals are hosted across town all week. The is held at the Limassol Municipal traditional foods such as kebabs,
Limassol Carnival culminates in the big Sunday Parade, a day before Gardens and attracts more than smoked herring, ‘loukoumades’
the start of Lent. Traditionally, the parades have an element of satire, 100,000 visitors each year. The and other delicacies, revel in
with Carnival floats and costumed marchers in the thousands making motto of the festival is ‘Drink local Cypriot songs and dance,
a colorful commentary on current affairs. The day-long event takes wine, it gives you life!’. This is and for an added treat, take a turn
place all along Makarios Avenue in Limassol, with revelers dancing emblazoned on a large statue of in the grape stomping barrel for a
away into the wee hours of the morning. So grab a mask and a handful a Cypriot village winegrower taste of old-school wine making
of confetti and join the fun! dressed in traditional garb, practices. Limassol Wine Festival
What’s On Limassol Carnival International Festival Paphos Aphrodite Festival
© Stavros Koniotis – Cyprus News Agency

of Ancient Greek Drama

around Cyprus

Cyprus has the laid-back charm of island life,
complete with almost 365 days of sunshine
and beautiful sandy beaches. What some
may not know, however, is that Cyprus also
boasts a rich program of annual cultural and
sporting events that take place all across the
island. These are some of the highlights that
visitors absolutely mustn’t miss!

Story by Rachel Chrysostom © Photo LARKO, Pafos / Constantinos Larkos © Photo LARKO, Pafos / Constantinos Larkos

Cyprus boasts a rich program of annual PAPHOS APHRODITE FESTIVAL Aphrodite Festival organizers home country, creating a mosaic of

cultural and sporting events that take LIMASSOL CARNIVAL The Paphos Aphrodite Festival provide simultaneous surtitles of cultures that opens up a dialogue
between contemporary stages
the librettos in both Greek and
was established in 1999, with the
place all across the island. Musicians and dancers aim of organizing and hosting English during the performances. and international audiences. The
performances are presented in
international opera performances
The Paphos Aphrodite Festival is
fill Limassol’s streets and
squares, and parties for local audiences and visitors. the perfect way to enjoy the cooler open-air amphitheaters across
for crazily-attired Held in early September, the September days and sea breeze by Cyprus, namely the Ancient
individuals are hosted event takes place beneath the the Paphos Medieval Castle. Odeon in Paphos, the Curium
CYPRUS RALLY special stages, tallying up a total
Cyprus Rally across town all week stars at the Paphos Medieval Ancient Theater in Limassol
The Cyprus Rally is one of the of 665km test a plethora of crews Castle in the Kato Paphos INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL and the Skali Amphitheater in
longest-running events in Cyprus. from Cyprus, Europe and Middle harbor, on an open-air opera OF ANCIENT GREEK DRAMA Nicosia, throughout the month
First held in 1970 on a rough, East. The rally is hosted in different stage. This creates the perfect Since 1997, the International of July every year. The Festival
uneven turf, it has since evolved parts of Cyprus each year, between atmosphere for opera lovers to Festival of Ancient Greek has recently expanded its
into one-of-a-kind event that the months of September and enjoy such great performances Drama has been hosting theatre local audiences by presenting
attracts rally enthusiasts from November, with a fun kick-off and as Bizet’s Carmen, Verdi’s La companies from across the performances with English and
across the world. Now called the extra special Ceremonial Finish Traviata, Puccini’s Turandot, world to present ancient Greek Greek surtitles. An event not
CNP ASFALISTIKI Cyprus Rally, that the whole family will enjoy. and many more, performed by dramas in their own languages. to be missed, the International
it promises supreme action through Whether you are a speed demon, internationally acclaimed opera A distinctive cultural event with Festival of Ancient Greek Drama
its ensemble of impressive stages a motorsport fan, or simply want houses. For visitors wishing to an international flair, the Festival has also been honoured with the
and world-class crews that gear to enjoy some of the lesser-known immerse themselves completely performances bear an intense EFFE Label 2015-2016, as one of
up each year for this spectacular areas of the island, this festival of in the opera, the Paphos flavour from each performer’s Europe’s finest festivals.
event. Sixteen fast and demanding speed is one not to be missed!
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