Naturally Cyprus

Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa where silence can be heard

Petros Mavros — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 10:20:00 GMT

Escaping for the heat of the coast I drove to Panayia, 30 minutes drive from Pafos town I found myself in the tranquility of the Pafos Forest having a cold lemonade under the shade of the pine tree outside the Chrysorroyiatisa Monastery.

Built on the 12th century A.D in the Paphos forest, the spectacular Monastery of Chrysorrogiatissa revived its name by a dedication to Virgin Mary as “Our Lady of the Golden Pomegranate”.
The Monastery is located 40 km from Paphos in Panagia village. The monks, always kind and hospitable ready to offer Cypriot coffee to the visitors, welcome you with a smile and stand by to explain the history behind the icons and frescoes. As vine harvest is approaching, the Monastery is set to commence its wine making, producing one of the finest and oldest wines.

On the 15th August every year, an impressive religious ceremony is celebrated whereas traditional “panigiri” feast is taking place with local people selling habitual goods such as the locally made soutzoukos, and time goes by calmly on this peaceful part of Paphos...

I would like to thank my friend Paco Rivero for provoking this visit to the area, sometimes things are much closer than we think they are but we forget them .

Overlooking Kato Pyrgos and Sustainable tourism from Troodos

Patrickdh — Wed, 26 May 2010 09:33:00 GMT

Kato Pyrgos achieves breaks away with isolation with recognition by the European Destinations of Excellence (EDEN) program promoting sustainable tourism across the European Union. Kato Pyrgos has demostrated being a destinations showing economically viable tourism developed based on this year’s EDEN theme. This years theme being Aquatic Sustainable Tourism, provides an opportunity for demonstrating the wealth of diversity in Cyprus which includes natural resources, historical heritage, local traditions in line with emerging sustainable development in tourism. Kato Pyrgos as a prized destination, is a lesser known enclave in the northwest of Cyprus between the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean sea and the Troodos mountains. This less crowded destination is now able to show its uniqueness and also able to work towards making your next visit into an unforgettable experience in Cyprus. We would like to congratulate the winning destinations that will best reflect the theme of the year, Aquatic Sustainable Tourism which offers a unique tourism experience, in line with sustainable development.

Credits: Photo - www.katopyrgos.com; text: visit cyprus this summer

Visiting Cyprus this summer, impressions of travel to the eastern Mediterranean

Patrickdh — Mon, 24 May 2010 11:21:00 GMT

You can almost envision the froth from which Aphrodite , the Goddess of love, majestically arose to the surface riding on a sea shell. Aphrodite's calling may not be your most convincing argument to Visit Cyprus, surely there may be more than one argument that can do it for you. Here below we have made out a list of 5 impressions that may help you in choosing Cyprus as a destination of choice for your next travel to the Mediterranean:

1. Hospitality - As in most destinations, once you escape commercial circuits - you will discover that honest and warm hospitality in Cyprus does make a difference. Since Cyprus is an Island, you may not have to travel far and the inland routes visiting monasteries or wineries is a great excuse to mingle with and enjoy local taste. It won't be occasions that you will be missing, Cyprus hospitality is part of Cultural expression and experience, how else could have a country attracted so many civilizations and still come out in modern times as an independent state.

2.Natural Variety - be it beaches, pleasant scenery, biosphere reserves or heritage - this you will find with a flavor that defines eastern Mediterranean territorial wealth. Marine life and biosphere reserves still exist to give us an idea of what it meant to be the greenest of Islands in the Mediterranean in antiquity. Some of the best regions testimonial to this are in Platres, at the heart of the Troodos Mountain range, the Akamas Peninsula near Pafos and the wonderful beaches of Ayia Napa and Protaras for bathing and sailing. That which will definitely surprise you is that Troodos in the winter, is a place for snow and skiing. If all this activity is too much for you and what you are in for is a well deserved escape with 100% pampering, you will be in good hands at any of the full service resorts which have been servicing a cosmopolitan clientèle for the last 30 years.

3.Cultural Heritage - Cyprus has been on cultural migratory routes for the last 10.000 years. Evolving with most influential civilizations, Greek, Venetians, Byzantine, even under occupation, Cyprus culture was to achieve cultural tolerance in its time. So expect richness in architecture, art, mosaics, archeological findings, faith based heritage dating back to the 3rd Century BC and where the villages throughout Cyprus but especially in Troodos, are home to UNESCO world heritage with painted churches and rich iconography art. In modern times, Cyprus inherited British style for driving, administration, education...a touch organization with the right mix of Mediterranean improvisation that will ensure your tranquility and ease of mind.

4.Cypriot Taste - food with local flavor exists in 2 forms just as in the rest of the world, slow food and fast food. Your typical fast food is a Slouvaki and your slow equivalent is having Mezedes. A Mezze is the most social event at the table you can experience; where all types of salads, meats and fish 'appetizers' are shared across the table. Whereas Souvlaki are individual portions of charcoaled cooked meat in Pitta bread, you will find it very appreciative to accompany a quick lunch or dinner with a Keo or Carlsberg as local brews. Local wines have tremendously evolved as well with lots of labels to meet your palate's desire. Either way, you will want to end the meal with a typical Mesopotamian Coffee and if you are lucky, you may even have a look into your future from the coffee deposit in your cup.

5. Festive Cyprus - If it's for celebrating 4,000 years of wine-making, at the Lemesos Wine festival in August, the Kataklysmos Water festival in Spring, or the local fest in your neighboring village, Festivals are great occasion for blending to experience the warmth of local expression and rhythm. Cyprus is also especially well known for its brilliant nightlife, with numerous occasion for enjoying distractions from beach parties to different bars, restaurants and nightclubs - all in all Cyprus attractions are evolving with the times and taste of travelers today, thus meeting the needs for great golfing, yachting, bird watching, diving, extreme sports like kitesurfing, or more family entertainment around waterparks or donkey rides.

By now you surely may have some hints at to how you will be mesmerized by the rich experiences to be lived on the Island of Cyprus bathed by the Mediterranean. So why not make it to Cyprus this summer? As you know, summers in Cyprus are as they should be - they come early and are long lasting. The time is right - feel welcome.

Credit: Published in visit cyprus this summer

Cyprus Agrotourism cottages give hospitality as it ones used to be, in rural Paphos, where time stopped

Petros Mavros — Tue, 18 May 2010 15:49:00 GMT

Paphos has always been a rural area. The word “Paphian” in Cyprus meant for many years “peasant” since Paphos is a mosaic of small villages.

The rural area of the district of Pafos has this character of Cyprus as it once used to be, especially in the 70ies or earlier. Stone built villages with remarkable views either to the Mediterranean or to the countryside offer today a unique travel experience for both local and foreign visitors. Re-discovering the rural areas of Pafos you step in old coffee shops, small wineries, “lonely” tavernas where you can smell the charcoal.

Villages of Akamas area like Drouseia and Kathikas with their proximity to the homonymous National Park; or Panayia, the last village before the dense Pafos Forest (home of the Cypriot wild Moufflon) offer to the visitor the most authentic Cypriot landscape and make you feel like time has stopped. The heritage of Choulou, which in the 40ies was a rich mixed village where Greeks and Turks lived in peace, gives the possibility to the visitor to live among the inhabitants as if he/she was one of them.

In places like that you have to overnight so you can feel the dew next morning. In all those places you will find a cottage that is in the network of the Cyprus Agrotourism Company where you spend a night or two. Make sure you give them a ring before to give you all the details and assure your reservation. Call Evie and she will take care of the booking.

Picture: From the rural hotel in Nikokleia - Vasilias Nikolkis last February during a cultural event where music, poetry ceramic art and painting met for some time.

Rural Limassol - Agrotourism in Cyprus is growing

maria — Tue, 18 May 2010 10:04:00 GMT

I have discovered a new relaxing way of spending the weekend with my kids. Despite that I am from Limassol it is not until recently that I went to visit a rural, traditional cottage and got the taste of the real and genuine hospitality. The district of Limassol offers a wide range of Agrotourism Accommodation.

The villages in the suburbs of Limassol present some great weekend escapes or long term getaways. Some of the villages offering Agrotourism accommodation is Anogyra, Apsiou, Arsos, Episkopi, Kilani, Lemithou, Lofou and many more which are ready to welcome you with a special approach.

We have experienced authentic Cypriot cuisine while exploring the Limassol countryside. When was the last time you drunk the oldest wine of the world? For me it was like rediscovering my country.
If you decide to visit Cyprus this summer or you will stay in Cyprus this summer, I would strongly suggest you to contact Evie at the Cyprus Agrotourism Company to choose your favourite cottage.

Agrotourism in Cyprus close to Nicosia, experience rural Cyprus

maria — Tue, 18 May 2010 09:36:00 GMT

Nicosia as the capital of Cyprus has been traditionally the town of business tourism as opposed to leisure tourism. The last few years with the expansion of the agrotourism, Nicosia has more to offer than only business. The district of Nicosia is the biggest in Cyprus and most of it hosts the magnificent mountains of Troodos. Most of the villages surrounding Nicosia are located in the area of Troodos Mountains and this gives a great opportunity to the traveller to visit those special places. Visit...(read more)

Cyprus Agrotourism could make the difference in your trip

Petros Mavros — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:34:00 GMT

While Cyprus is living its worst crisis in tourism since 1974, the Cyprus Agrotourism sector is giving its own battle of getting a piece of the pie. The remarkable Cypriot landscape and the semi-abandoned villages of Cypriot countryside revive Cyprus as once used to be.

Villages like Kalopanayiotis and Kakopetria hidden in Troodos Mountains, or Nikokleia in the Diarizos laying valley have a new tourist product to offer. In places like that the visitor, being him local or foreigner can enjoy the real Cypriot hospitality that in the last years was covered by all inclusive habits. There, the hotels are of millions of stars, you just have to look the sky while you enjoy a glass of the oldest wine of the world (Commandaria) and feel like a millionaire even if we in times of deep crisis.

Small cottages and rural houses are at your service this summer when you visit Cyprus. I would recommend that you make your booking a bit in advance by contacting Evie at the Cyprus Agrotourism Company.

Visit Cyprus this Summer and walk in Paphos by the harbour

Petros Mavros — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 19:25:00 GMT

Pafos it’s probably the most ancient harbour still in use in the Eastern Mediterranean. Today the harbour is a small fishing shelter where still 60 fishermen (aprox) find a safe port for their small boats.

Several Government departments are now disputing the ownership and management of the harbour. The plans of refurbishing the harbour come to nothing since the people of Pafos wants to maintain the character of this jewel but the state of Cyprus wants to make business with it. Plans to create a marina and commercial areas, plans to make new promenades and access for large ferries find the peole of Pafos very skeptical.

The harbour has a very important place in the heart of the people of Pafos. It’s the place to go for a walk during whole year and meet up with friends and family, have a relaxed coffee next to fishing boats, let the kids play with “Kokos”, the friendly pelican who moved here many years ago. It is linked to romance stories of almost every inhabitant of town, it’s the place where adolescents meet and flirt and where adults remember their adolescent times. This is why the people of Paphos want to have the first word when it comes to any new ideas of remodeling and remaking the harbour.

Politicians of all the political parties, NGOs of the town, professionals of tourism and in general all the organised boards of citizens agree in one thing. Pafos has to decide for its port and not Nicosia. Nicosia should only approve and search for the funding.

So if you are going to visit Cyprus this summer, after you have visited the Mosaics (UNESCO world heritage site) take a rest at a café of the harbour and enjoy the breeze of probably the oldest East Mediterranean harbour still in use, the Pafos Harbour.

Join Jose Carreras and Visit Limassol this Summer!!

Petros Mavros — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:43:00 GMT

It seems that Cypriots are especially charmed by Spanish artists.The exhibition about Guernica in Nicosia (Bank of Cyprus Cultural Center) which will go around Cyprus for 2010, Miro of Mallorca also in Nicosia at the Municipal Art Center from March until May 2010.

And now something more emotional, more experiential, Jose Carreras live in Limassol. Accompanied by the Cyprus Symphonic Orchestra which will be directed by Miguel Ortega, the Catalan tenor will give us one of those concerts that one should not miss. The Municipal Garden Theatre of Limassol will be the scenery for this unforgettable concert. Just by the Mediterranean Sea, Jose Carreras will sing for us Mediterranean Passion, his tribute to this fantastic people of the Mediterranean.

Connect on facebook with Visitcyprusthisummer for tickets or you can use the online service to buy them here.

We are expecting you in our town to become "amigos para siempre"....

Visit Cyprus this summer with Jose Carreras

Petros Mavros — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 15:24:00 GMT

Are you going to be in Cyprus this summer? If you did not plan your holidays yet you are still on time to make it.

On June the 9th in Limassol you have the opportunity to attend a fabulous concert of the Catalan Tenor Jose Carreras. Jose Carreras and the symphonic orchestra of Cyprus directed by Miguel Ortega will travel us in the Mediterranean through their music.

Mediterranean Passion, Mediterranean weather and Mediterranean people, all in one the night of the 9th of June in Limassol – Cyprus.

Join our group of enthusiasts on Facebook Cyprus this summer; or manage reserving your entrance online here: Book your entrance online here.

Pure Character - Kolokasi and Cyprus local charm

Patrickdh — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 15:33:00 GMT

Kolokasi - it's Pure fibre.

Otherwise known as Taro and often confounded with Jerusalem artichokes - thin ones are good for frying and bigger ones can be oven cooked with meats. Apparently, Kolokasi was brought to Cyprus by the Romans who would cook it in sauce of pepper, cumin, rue, vinegar, oil ...but in modern times only the exclusive restaurants made popular by celebrity chefs seem to get it. Just the usual trick of finding some ingredient with character and giving it the appeal twist so that a specialty once savored can become popular again and loved by upcoming generations without patriotic guilt. During our last visit at the Nicosia outdoor market, we had a the joy of mingling with locals and the characteristic varieties of fruit and vegetables.

Update: European Day for Produce

To transmit and diffuse among young consumers different ways to enjoy fruits and vegetables - motivating new ways of consuming and preparing foods that is readily available and fresh. European Day of Natural Produce - 3rd of June 2010 - check out events rallying the event- Eurotoques in spain

Cyprus welcomes Spain - Queen Sofia in Nicosia with "Miró of Mallorca"

Petros Mavros — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 19:15:00 GMT

Now it’s the turn of Cyprus to welcome Spain. Tonight, in the people of Nicosia and the whole of Cyprus are culturally richer. H.M The Queen of Spain Sofia has opened at the Municipal Art Center of Nicosia the most important Art exhibition that ever came from Spain to Cyprus. 200 art works of the Catalan artist Joan Miró will remain in Cyprus until the 30th of May 2010. H.M Queen Sofia walked in the art centre where hundreds of Cypriots were waiting for her to give her a very warm welcome...(read more)

Paphos Opera 2010 La Boheme of Giacomo Puccini

Petros Mavros — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 08:01:00 GMT

The opera of Giacomo Puccini "La Boheme" will be this year represented by Slovak National Opera in Pafos Cyprus. On September the 3rd , 4th and 5th 2010 the medieval castle of the town will be dressed up again for the 12th year to host its Opera Festival. Story of love and death.

Mimi and Rodolfo fall in love, a love story with turbulences and passion, separation and sadness. Their friends' intervention to reunite the couple is successful but the destiny plays its game, Mimi dies in the arms of Rodolfo and his pain is eternal.

One of the voices we all miss is of the Greek diva Maria Callas.

Enjoy her recording of La Bohéme , conducted by Antonino Votto, studio recording for EMI, August-September 1956.

See you in Pafos in September. Request your seat online here: Direct Inquiries

Limassol Carnival 2010

Petros Mavros — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:39:00 GMT

Limassol is again dressing up for its most glorious days of the year. The town hall and all the citizens of Limassol are preparing their carnival week in an intense manner. They expect to host one of the most fantastic Carnival week in the Mediterranean. Hotels, restaurants, shops and pepole are geting ready to welcome the Carnival King (Valisia Karnavalo).

The Town Hall with the Carnival Committee have prepared a very nice and rich programe for this week.

Thursday
8 February

6.30p.m. Town Hall

The Limassol Municipality in collaboration with the Limassol Union of Self-educated Painters organize an exhibition for 2007 Carnival. The Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou, will inaugurate the exhibition.

7.00p.m. King Carnival Entrance

The King Carnival, enters the town in a festive atmosphere on an illuminated float accompanied by Serenaders, the Majorettes of the Cyprus Girl Guides Association, the Mayor and Municipal Council.

The parade will start from the Town Hall at 7.00p.m. and will pass by the following streets: Themidos, Anexartisias, Ayiou Andreou, Karaiskaki (Municipal Library), Stasinou. It will end at the Heroes Square where carnival merrymaking with songs and dancing will take place.

Monternoi Kairoi choir will be singing as from 7.00p.m. at Heroes Square.

Fireworks at the Town Hall.at 7.00p.m.

Friday
9 February

8.00 p.m. Serenaders' Evening
At the Square east of the First Municipal Market

Serenaders' Evening with participation of the following groups: Mousikes Periplanisis choir, ARIONES Choir and the Limassol Serenaders.

Saturday
10 February

5.00p.m.
Carnival Fiesta at the Main Square of Ayios Athanasios.

Sunday,
11 February

11.30a.m.
Children's Carnival Parade

Pentadromos - Anexartisias Street.

Starting Point: Pentadromos

Finishing: End of Anexartisias Street.

The best groups, couples and individuals will be awarded.

6.30p.m. Serenaders' Event at PERAMA

Gathering of Serenaders at 12, Zig Zag Street with participation of the following groups: Georgalletos Serenaders, Limassol Serenaders and the Monternoi Kairoi Choir.

The evening is dedicated to the memory of Giorgos Georgalletos.

Monday
12 February

7.30p.m.
Georgalletos Serenaders on an illuminated float sing at Ayia Phila area.

Tuesday
13 February

7.30p.m.
Georgalletos Serenaders on an illuminated float sing at Zakaki area

8.30p.m. Medieval Castle Square
Tuesday's Carnival Fiesta

The Lemessos Municipality invites all, young and adults to come in disguised costumes and participate in a different carnival merrymaking with music and dancing.

Carnival Costume Competition - Awards for the best three.

Wednesday
14 February

7.00p.m.
Serenaders' Evening
Heroes' Square

Serenaders' Evening with the participation of the following groups: Choir "Monterni Kairoi", EDON Serenaders, Group of Cypriot Serenaders, Georgalletos Serenaders.

Thursday
15 February

8.30p.m.
Outdoor Carnival Dancing Event
At the square east the First Municipal Market

The Dreams Choir invites you for dancing and singing with the old and new top hits of the Greek repertoire. A DJ will ensure that the fiesta keeps going on with carnival music.

Carnival Costume Competition - Awards for the best three.

Friday
16 February

7.00p.m.
Children's Choir
Pattichion Municipal Theatre

Serenades and Carnival Songs by Children's Choirs: Epilogi - Limassol Co-operative Savings Bank, Armonia, B΄ Elementary School Choir, Vocal Ensemble of the Famagusta School of Music.

Saturday,
17 February

6.30p.m.
Serenaders' Parade

Group of Serenaders will gather at 6.00p.m. outside the Town Hall. At 6.30p.m. they will walk serenading in the town through the following streets: Arch. Kyprianou, Themidos, Anexartisias ending at the District Office Square.

The Vocal Ensemble of the Famagusta School of Music and the Choir "Mousikes Periplanisis" will be singing at the District Office Square from 6.00p.m.

Free wine will be offered by the wine industries ETKO, KEO, LOEL and SODAP.

Sunday,
18 February

1.30p.m.
Grand Carnival Parade

Serenaders Parade to be followed by the Limassol Municipality Philharmonic Orchestra, Majorettes of the Cyprus Girl Guide Association and the Grand Carnival parade with the King Carnival, floats, groups and individuals in the sound of a unified music. The parade will proceed along Makarios III Avenue up to Ayias Sofias Traffic Lights.

Prizes will be awarded for the best floats, groups and individuals.

The programme is subject to unexpected changes.
For information: Cultural Services, Municipality of Lemesos. Tel. 25 342153 & 25 745919. Or the Web of the town hall

Renewal for inland tourism and suggestive offers at Tsikas in Tala Pafos

Patrickdh — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 08:35:00 GMT

Stephanie village may be known for rejuvenating the region of Tala and the inland of Pafos. These new proposals offers not only new residential alternatives but also the presence of new service offers that can fit it very well with new options for excursions and dining opportunities on Sundays. Take a stroll about the village and also dine in modern installations with wonderful of choices. These and other initiatives will enable to preserve character of landmarks, despite a change in landscape with urban comforts. Edited from savesavour blog

Wine festival in Limassol, Cypriot wineries open their barrels for the public

Petros Mavros — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 10:21:00 GMT

DRINK WINE, IT GIVES YOU LIFE

With this saying, Limassol, the town of fun and joy, welcomes one more year, the Wine Festival. The Festival is organized by the Municipality of Limassol and every year starts at the end of August, beginning of September in the Municipal Gardens (Dimosios Kipos), located in the centre of Limassol, opposite the beach.

The festival first started in 1961 as an honourable manifestation in the long wine producing tradition of the island.

Inspired by the ancient festivals dedicated to the God of Wine, Dionysos, and the Goddess of Beauty and Love, Aphrodite, it combines fun and entertainment with lots of food, wine and various shows by local and international artistic groups.

The Wine Festival is addressed to both locals and tourists and provides a unique opportunity for people to try various local wines produced by large and small wineries from all over Cyprus and traditional local food.

The traditional marking brand of the Festival is the huge statue of “Vrakas” (traditional name given to old generations men who used to wear instead of the trouser, the traditional “vraka”) at the entrance of the Gardens.

This year the Festival will start on the 28th August and will end on the 6th September.

Free wine will be offered to all visitors every evening between 20:00 – 23:00.

Take a chance and visit this folkloric festival planned for many years, in a town that knows how to celebrate in a unique way.

Gusto for meat in a wine and coriander sauce

Patrickdh — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:58:00 GMT

save&savor's posterous - traveling by food, fresh ideas and tips in the summer

while eating in Cyprus, you may need the time, as you must digest as you eat. It is not unusual to find these plates as a second course - pork and and potatoes in a wine and coriander sauce, with wrapped grape leaves and onions, and a tomato and cucumber with fresh coriander salad. One must go for typical Mezedes.

Pomos Revival - Celebrating 10 years of Jazz in Cyprus

Patrickdh — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 15:13:00 GMT

Of the few destinations that maintain their connection from the medieval and all the way from antiquity. "Pomo", "Pwmos", "Vmos" - Pomos, probably exists due to a famous altar in the temple in the honor of goddess Venus.

Today, the region rich in archaeological culture renders homage to a different art, the music of Jazz. In its 10 years going, the Paradise Jazz Festival at Pomos enters maturity and this year will pay tribute to the Jazz as its played and experienced in Cyprus. - Its time for Jazz and this summer its back to Paradise Place starting on 18th of July to build up momentum up for the main festival during the long week-end of 24th, 25th and 26th of August which closes then on 1st of August with a double performance. There will be time enough for musical enjoyment and celebrations, proof to believe that the festival will go on for another 10 years!! Visit Pomos, Experience Paradise Jazz this summer.

Some dates to remember:

18th July - Trio Smiles
24th July - Savvas Houvartas
25th July - Gojam Group & Takoushis/Karapatakis quartet
26th July - MeetingPoint Jazz Quartet
1st August - Point to Performances & European Trio and Jan Kus

Larnaca is the place to be in June

Petros Mavros — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 07:18:00 GMT

If there is a place in Cyprus where the Water Festival –Kataklysmos has a long and very established among its citizens is Lanaca. The celebrations last for 5 days starting on Friday 5th June and ending on Wednesday 10th June.

Agenda

On Friday 5th June the program starts at 20:30 with the opening ceremony and fireworks show. The show continues with Greek and Cypriot Music and Dances, Magician Show and the evening ends with Greek Music Concert by the famous Greek singer Dionysis Makris.

On Saturday 6th June the program starts at 20:00 with Cypriot Folk Dancing Contest and Folkloric program and ends with the Greek Music Concert by the Greek singer Antipas.

On Sunday 7th June, Cypriot Folk Poetry and Love song contest will commence the program at 20:00 and continues with the famous Greek singer Eleni Tsaligopoulou performing live.

On Monday 8th June, Folk song and shepherd flute contest will commence the evening’s celebrations at 20:00 followed by a program with Greek and Cypriot dances and satire. A concert by the popular Greek singer Elli Kokkinou will follow the majestic fireworks show.

On Tuesday 9th June the program begins at 21:00 with Amateurs singing contest and a show with Traditional Dances.

The last evening of the celebrations, Wednesday 10th June, starts at 18:00 with a program with traditional Music and Dances from Greece and Cyprus followed by satire. The feast ends with a musical concert by the popular singer Loucas Giorkas and the ensemble “Kokkina Chalia”. The celebrations will take place at the seafront and the entrance is free.

Take advantage of the extensive program planned by the Municipality of Larnaca and spend a week of relaxation in the town that knows how to celebrate in the traditional way.

Monastery of Kykkos - Where tradition meets history

Petros Mavros — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:09:00 GMT

Summer is on its way bringing time for vacation and relaxation. If you like the mountains take a chance and visit the Troodos mountains only 30 minutes from the town of Limassol. Near the Troodos, amongst other attractions, lies the imposing Monastery of Kykkos.

The Monastery was founded around the end of the 11th century by the Byzantine emperor Alexios Komninos. The Monastery is dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary and the icon of the Virgin is sheltered in the Monastery for the past 900 years. Adjacent to the Monastery, a museum was established in a desire to contribute to the spiritual and cultural life and to the preservation, study and exhibition of works of art. In the museum, antiquities, vessels, vestments and ornaments from Early Christian, Byzantine and post Byzantine period can be seen as well as icons, frescoes, woodcarvings, manuscripts and books.

Have a wonderful break from the daily routine and visit this Monastery and you will be impressed by the history revived over the years.

Paphos wakes up the Spirits of the Waters - Water Folk festival

Petros Mavros — Wed, 27 May 2009 09:59:00 GMT

The water festival – “ Katalysmos” has a long and popular tradition in Pafos that involves all the visitors and natives of the town in a 3 day lively festival.

The town hall of Paphos has planned a wide schedule of activities which start from Saturday the 6th June and end on Monday the 8th June. On Saturday at 8.00 p.m. the feast starts at the Castle Square with Cypriot and Greek Traditional Dances, followed by a musical concert by the Music Ensemble “Anatoliki Mesogios”. In the same concert, the famous folkloric singers Kyriakou Pelagia and Vasiliki Hadjiadamou participate by performing local Cypriot songs. The following day the program starts at 8.oo p.m. at the Castle Square with Cypriot Traditional Dances and is followed by contemporary dances. The program ends with the concert by the Music Ensemble “Athinaiki Kompania”. On Monday 8th June the program starts at 4.00 p.m. at the Limanaki in Kato Paphos with traditional aquatic competitions and water sports. At 8.00 p.m. the artistic part of the feast starts at the Castle Square with Cypriot and Greek Traditional Dances. The program ends with the musical concert by Loukas Yiorkas and the Music Ensemble “Kokkina Chalia” performing live all their latest hits. The feast ends with firework display. The entrance is free for all the events.

Take advantage of the extensive program offered by the Paphos Municipality and by the great, sunny weather and spend 3 days of relaxation and amusement in the town where tradition meets modern life.

The Water Festival arrives in Limassol as well

Petros Mavros — Mon, 25 May 2009 09:23:00 GMT

Water Festival - Kataklysmos is a feast celebrated in Cyprus for at least 1000 years according to archaeological findings. The word Kataklysmos refers to the biblical flood by which God destroyed all living creatures on earth. It is celebrated on all coastal towns of Cyprus and lasts for 3 days, (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). This year the feast takes place from 6th of June until 8th of June.

The town of Limassol has planned an extensive program to cover this traditional feast. The official program begins on Sunday 7th June at 19.30 p.m. with children’s dancing group performing Greek folkloric dances followed by Traditional Cypriot Dances and Folk Poets and songs. At 9.00 p.m. a musical band will perform beautiful folk songs originated in Cyprus, Greek islands and Minor Asia. On Monday 8th June at 8.00 p.m. the program continues with folk dances and songs performed by the famous actress and singer Olga Potamitou and at 8.45 p.m. the very popular (Please visit the site to view this media) with his band will perform live. There is no entrance fee for any of the events.

Plan a visit to the cosmopolitan town of Limassol and entertain yourself with the unique rhythms of this traditional program. It is a great opportunity to Escape to Limassol.

Agia Napa Water Festival, a tradition that lives on

Petros Mavros — Fri, 22 May 2009 07:02:00 GMT

Kataklysmos is a feast celebrated in Cyprus. The word Kataklysmos refers to the biblical flood by which God destroyed all living creatures on earth. It is celebrated on all coastal towns of Cyprus and lasts 3 days (Saturday, Sunday, Monday). This year the feast takes place from 6th of June until 8th of June.

The town of Agia Napa has created an extensive program for the event. The program begins on Saturday 6th June at 19.30 p.m. and includes among other Cyprus & Greek Traditional Dances, Folk Poets and Singers. On Sunday 7th June the feast stiarts at 10.30 a.m. with Water Sports Games and Shows and continues at 19.30 p.m. with the Children Choir, the Cyprus Police Forece Philarmonic Band, and fireworks show will follow the greeting by the mayor of Agia Napa and after that, the famous Greek singer Lefteris Pantazis will perform live. On Monday 8th June, at 20.00 p.m. dancing group will perform Cyprus Traditional Dances and the feast ends with the Folk Spree performed by the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation.

The entrance is free for all the events. Plan a visit to the beautiful town of Agia Napa and celebrate this traditional feast. Enjoy the local poets performing “Tsiattista”, traditional Cypriot poems with a rhyme, and let yourself feel the local rhythm.

Jon the Agia Napa routes gorup here and come to Agia Napa to experience a tradition that lasts for centuries.

An Opening to sensuality at the Opera in Paphos

Petros Mavros — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:45:00 GMT

For 10 years running and every September, the Paphos Aphrodite Festival presents a famous opera which takes place in front of the Medieval Castle of Paphos.

This year , on the 4th, 5th and 6th of September , Opera lovers will have the chance to watch 'Lakmé" an opera of the french composer Leo Delibes performed by the National opera of Sofia .

Lakmé, in three acts , is considered as one of the most exotic operas.

The story is set in the late nineteenth century British Raj in India. The story makes use of an exotic location, Hindu religious rituals, tension and conflict between the natives and the British settlers, and conflicts surrounding the two main lovers, who have obligations and loyalties that war with their passion for one another. Recognised as one of most exotic operas, it should not be missed..

Synopsis
The Indian girl Lakmé, daughter of the Priestess Nilakantha, ignores the prohibition to fall in love with a foreigner and gives her heart to Gerald – an officer of Queen Victoria’s colonial army. When Gerald is wounded by Indians, instigated by Nilakantha, Lakmé hides him in a hut in the forest and surrounds him with the loving care of her heart. Nearby there is a water source, which has the magic power to bind forever the youths and to protect them from Nilakantha’s persecution. When Lakmé goes to the water source, Gerald is visited by his friend Frederic and reminds him of his soldier’s duty. The call of the soldier’s trumpet is heard. Lakmé, having sensed her beloved’s hesitation and having lost all purpose of life without Gerald, commits suicide.

Following last year's success the program for 2010 looks just as promising: Opera in Pafos 2010

Visit Agia Napa’s Ancient Necropolis

Petros Mavros — Wed, 20 May 2009 07:58:00 GMT

Ayia Napa is not only sun, sea and fun. There are monuments which date centuries back. One of those is the tombs found in Macronissos, located west of Ayia Napa.

The Department of Antiquities completed excavations in this area which was the target of illegal digging since 1872. A total of nineteen tombs have been found so far and a small sanctuary was investigated to the east of the burial grounds while part of the ancient quarry adjacent to the cemetery had also been revealed. The tombs were used during the Hellenistic and Roman period while the sanctuary dates back to the Cypriot-Classical and Hellenistic period.

Take a ride and visit the tombs and find out the history of the island at a glance.