In a climate of deep emotion, the central event of the 5th Pancyprian Refugee Gathering took place on the evening of Friday, October 17, in the crowded Dasaki Square of Achna, organized from October 6 to 19 by the Achna Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa.
The event was a vivid journey of memory and honor, awakening memories of the refugee experience and provoking strong feelings of emotion, pain and hope for return. The program included a prayer in the courtyard of the refugee monument-tent, a guided tour of the Refugee Theme Park by the Deputy Mayor of the Achna Municipal District, Mr. Nikos Vasilas, as well as a rich artistic program with a music and dance performance by the Cultural Group “Giasoumeia” of the Achna Forest and a grand concert with the beloved Greek performer Melina Aslanidou.
The event was honored with the presence of the Minister of Education, Sports and Youth, Dr. Athena Michaelidou, who represented the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides.
In a particularly moving speech, the Minister expressed her pride and emotion for her presence in the "sacred space of memory and reference", where, as she said, "the pain of being a refugee is transformed into faith, strength and hope".
He emphasized that "we honor all those who kept our memory indelible, our hope alive and our identity intact," underlining that Education is the great force that shields the souls of young people, so that they can stand up against injustice and envision a better tomorrow.
In closing, he pointed out that "we have a duty to hand over to our children a free homeland, a Cyprus where every child will be able to walk freely in Kyrenia, Famagusta, Morphou and Karpasia", while he warmly thanked Mr. Nikos Vasilas for his valuable contribution to the preservation of historical memory.
The Deputy Mayor of the Municipal District of Achna, Nikos Vasilas, spoke with deep emotion, referring to the unbreakable bonds that unite refugees – bonds of pain, uprootedness and refugeehood – emphasizing that, even 51 years later, the pain has not faded.
He stressed that the aim of the Refugee Gathering is to preserve historical memory and pass it on to new generations, so that they know, persist and claim the vision of return. He likened the struggle of the Greek Cypriots to that of the Greeks during the Turkish occupation, pointing out that “only if we keep our memories alive will we never give up our cities and villages.”
In closing, he thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the event, and especially Melina Aslanidou for her moving participation, noting that "tonight we quietly sing together about pain and hope."
See pictures:
