Those attending the official opening of the 41st Ayia Napa International Festival experienced an unforgettable evening on Saturday, with the grand concert of Vasilis Lekkas and Rita Antonopoulou, accompanied by the Cyprus Guitar Orchestra. The artists presented works by leading composers such as Mikis Theodorakis, Manos Hadjidakis, Stavros Xarchakos, Yannis Markopoulos, Manos Loizos and Thanos Mikroutsikos, providing unique musical emotions and demonstrating the vitality and power of Greek music.
The official opening of the Ayia Napa International Festival was held by the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis, who in his greeting stated that the Ayia Napa Festival has been recognized over the years as an international cultural event, which honors tradition, promotes our rich cultural heritage and at the same time highlights the hospitality and extroversion of our country. He added that the fact that it takes place in George Seferis Square, next to the historic Monastery, gives it a special and symbolic significance, since this place is directly linked to the poet.
Referring to the 1950s, when Seferis visited Ayia Napa and described it as “a small village with an old Monastery, silence, stones and the light of the sea”, the Minister stressed that this sense of peace and tranquility characterizes not only Ayia Napa but also all the villages of Famagusta, while it is also strongly reminiscent of the Greek islands. With his words, he noted, Seferis highlighted Cyprus and Ayia Napa as symbols of Greekness and historical memory.
Since then, he continued, Ayia Napa and Free Famagusta have progressed and are a proud reference point in our collective identity. Despite the great changes, some things remain unchanged, the historic Monastery, our connection with tradition and above all the Greek soul which, as the Minister emphasized, "lives in Ayia Napa and Free Famagusta as Seferis describes it."
In closing, Mr. Vafeadis warmly congratulated the Municipality of Ayia Napa, the contributors and the volunteers for their contribution to the organization of the Festival, wishing that the 41st International Festival will continue its course with the same success, promoting Cyprus abroad and offering joy and pride to the residents and visitors of Ayia Napa.
Finally, he referred with satisfaction to the cooperation between the Mayor and Deputy Mayors, underlining that the reform of the Local Government has borne fruit, as love, unity and cooperation prevail in Ayia Napa, elements that are reflected in the work being carried out. He congratulated the Mayor and all his associates for the important interventions that upgrade the daily life and quality of life of citizens.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that the Festival, which is taking place for the 41st time this year, is a leading cultural institution in Cyprus and a meeting point for cultures, while underlining the importance of the festival for strengthening the local economy and tourism, as well as for highlighting the cultural identity of Ayia Napa.
He highlighted the achievements of the Municipality in the first year after the creation of the new unified Municipality (Agia Napa, Achna, Avgorou, Sotira, Liopetri) and the progress in infrastructure projects with a total budget of over 10 million euros, such as the open-air amphitheater, the outdoor sports area, the upgrading of the road network and the new kindergarten. He stressed the strategic importance of cultural development and the improvement of the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Mr. Zannetou also referred to the successful tourist season, with high traffic and occupancy rates, highlighting the improved infrastructure, cleanliness and quality events. He made particular reference to the upgrade of the Square and the "Georgos Seferis" Cultural Center, which enhance the cultural and tourist identity of the city.
He informed about the recent successful cultural actions, such as the “Ceramic and Clay Art Days”, and about the upcoming events: the “Medieval Festival” (October 8-12) and the “Refugee Meeting” (October 17 in Achna). He also informed about the collaboration with the Municipality of Famagusta for the revival of the Orange Festival, underlining at the same time the importance of collaboration for common success.
In closing, Mayor Christos Zannetou warmly thanked the Minister of Transport, the members of the Municipal Council, the artists, the sponsors, the Municipality staff and all those who contributed to the organization of the Festival. He emphasized the Municipality's commitment to continuous development, unity and sustainability, offering quality experiences to residents and visitors.
The Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Christou, said in his greeting that through the Festival's events, Ayia Napa is transformed into a crossroads of cultures, where traditions and modern creations meet.
On the occasion of the completion of one year since the implementation of the Local Government Reform and the assumption of his duties, the Deputy Mayor of Ayia Napa expressed his satisfaction with what has been achieved, but also his commitment to the future. As he emphasized, together with his colleagues, they worked consistently to promote substantial interventions in the daily lives of citizens, cleanliness, infrastructure, greenery, service and culture.
He referred to projects that were implemented and touched every aspect of life in the city, from the creation of new recreational spaces and the upgrading of events and infrastructure, to the promotion of Ayia Napa's cultural and natural wealth. As he noted, this report is not an end but a starting point for even more, with a vision and plan for Ayia Napa that its citizens deserve.
In closing, he warmly thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the Festival – the Municipality’s partners, the volunteers, the sponsors and of course the citizens and visitors who, with their presence, give value and strength to the organization. He finally underlined that Ayia Napa will continue to invest in culture, because culture is the soul of a place, it highlights our identity and values, and for Ayia Napa this identity is bright, international, extroverted but also deeply rooted in history.
Following the greetings, the Municipality of Ayia Napa honored Mr. Robert Cutajar, member of the House of Representatives of Malta, former Mayor of Mellieha and a man who, together with the late Mayor of Ayia Napa, Antonis Tsokkos, contributed significantly to the twinning of the two cities. Mr. Cutajar, together with his wife Tracy, have visited Ayia Napa 24 times to date, which demonstrates their close relationship with the city.
By awarding a special commemorative plaque and the emblem of “Ayia Napa Tourism Ambassador”, the Municipality officially declared the Cutajar couple as “Tourism Ambassadors” of the city. The honorary distinction was awarded to Mr. Robert Cutajar, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, while Mrs. Tracy Cutajar was honored by the Deputy Mayor, Mr. Antonis Christou.
