The opening of the exhibition by Panikkos P. Hatzidakis entitled "The Battle of Ayia Napa in the Greek Revolution and the Greek Revolution of 20" was held on the evening of Thursday, March 1821, by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, at the "THALASSA" Municipal Museum.
In his speech, Mr. Zannetou mentioned that this art exhibition is part of the celebrations for the National Rebirth of 1821 and the celebration of the 199th Anniversary of the Sole Battle of the Greek Revolution in Cyprus, therefore, he added, the theme of this particular exhibition is of great importance for our city, as Ayia Napa did not remain uninvolved in the national calls.
On the contrary, he noted, it actively participated in the revolution of the ragiades by fighting its own battle on March 17, 1826, a battle, unique in our entire island, led by the chieftain Hatzimichalis Dalianis from the Community of Delvenaki of the Municipality of Pogoni of the rebellious mother Greece, who was flanked by the chieftains Mavrovouniotis and Krieziotis, the only battle on Cypriot soil between the Greek and Turkish Guards of Ayia Napa - Famagusta and its entire history, as well as other historical milestones of the Revolution of '21, are captured in the works of Mr. Hatzidakis.
He also emphasized that "art has the ability to revive the past and give it new life, making us reflect on its importance and its place in our modern lives. And through the works of Panikkos Panayi Hatzidakis, the historical moment of the Battle of Ayia Napa comes to life, reminds us of the struggles and sacrifices of our ancestors and encourages us to keep these memories alive."
"This Unique Battle of Ayia Napa is not just a historical reference, but a meeting point of the past with the present, since through art, we can realize the value of our history and the need to preserve it," said the Mayor of Ayia Napa, concluding.
For his part, the painter Mr. Panikkos P. Hatzidakis thanked the Mayor and the Municipal Council for once again giving him a platform to exhibit his works and assured that he will continue with the same willingness and zeal to create and contribute to the artistic events of Ayia Napa because Ayia Napa, as he said, is a city that lends itself to artistic creation and to many important artistic events such as the Triennial of Contemporary Art to be organized in May 2025.
The exhibition will remain open until Saturday, April 05, 2025.
