With a highly impressive and moving event that took place on Saturday, May 2nd at the Amphitheatre of the THALASSA Municipal Museum and which was jointly organized by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipality of Famagusta, the historic Famagusta Orange Festival was revived, gathering a large crowd and bringing to life memories of another era. In a charged atmosphere where nostalgia met hope and history found a voice again, the occupied but unyielding Famagusta was highlighted through images and symbolism, confirming once again that it remains alive through its memory, culture and history.
Representing the President of the Republic of Cyprus, Nikos Christodoulides, since the event was held under his auspices, the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou, in her speech, highlighted the importance of reviving the Orange Festival as an act of remembrance, continuity and preservation of the identity of occupied Famagusta, emphasizing that culture and collective memory remain alive and creative despite the difficulties. She underlined the historical role of the festival as a symbol of culture, progress and social cohesion, as well as its connection with agricultural production and the cultivation of citrus fruits.
At the same time, he referred to the Ministry's priorities for supporting the rural world through the Common Agricultural Policy 2023–2027, strengthening young farmers, promoting innovation and improving competitiveness. He made particular reference to measures for water security, investments in desalination and infrastructure, as well as supporting local development through the LEADER program.
In closing, he pointed out that such initiatives strengthen collective memory and keep alive the vision of returning to Famagusta, congratulating the organizers and expressing the wish that the Orange Festival will be re-established as a timeless institution "that will unite us every year, keeping our history and roots alive."
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, emphasized that the revival of the Orange Festival constitutes an essential act of historical continuity and collective memory for occupied Famagusta. He underlined the importance of preserving cultural identity through such initiatives, noting that culture functions as a force of endurance, unity and hope.
He referred to the close cooperation between the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Famagusta, while expressing the wish that the historical celebration would soon return to its natural location. At the same time, he thanked all the participants of the event and pointed out that preserving memory is a responsibility towards future generations.
For his part, the Mayor of Famagusta Dr. Simos Ioannou underlined that Famagusta remains alive through memory, dreams and new generations, emphasizing that the revival of the Orange Festival constitutes a symbolic journey into the city's past, full of creativity, optimism and culture. He referred to the deep wounds of refugeeism and occupation, pointing out that in Famagusta pride and bitterness, but also memory and hope, have walked together for 52 years.
He presented the historical journey of the Orange Festival, from its establishment in 1935 to its reinstatement in 1963, as an important institution for the promotion of agricultural production, tourism development and cultural creation in the city. He emphasized that the festival was a point of reference for artistic expression and the participation of society, contributing decisively to the promotion of Famagusta culture and the spirit of creation.
In closing, he expressed his thanks to the Municipality of Ayia Napa and all the participants in the event, emphasizing that everyone's presence and participation strengthens the timeless struggle for a return to a free and peaceful Famagusta.
The event officially opened with an impressive parade, which started from Limanaki and ended at the venue. Organized groups and cultural organizations of the two Municipalities participated in it, creating a particularly lively and moving atmosphere. Leading the way was an antique car with the 1967 Orange Queen, Ms. Anthoula Charalambous, who was accompanied by the Deputy Mayor of the Ayia Napa Municipal District, Mr. Antonis Christou.
The rich artistic program included musical performances by the Cyprus Police Force Philharmonic, songs by the Famagusta Municipality Choir, as well as tsiattistas by Elias Hadjimichael and Marios Ppatsias. The ceremonial event entitled "Dance of the Hesperides" was also presented, choreographed by Elena Tofa, while an audiovisual tribute to the Queens of Orange was shown, with special reference to Ms. Anthoula Charalambous (1967) and Ms. Olga Kazamia (1972), who attended the event.
This was followed by the musical and dance performance “The Garden of the Hesperides”, featuring renowned Cypriot artists Koulis Theodorou, Dimitris Mesimeris and Frideriki Tombazou, accompanied by dance and cultural groups. The evening culminated with the appearance of Famagusta artist Stelios Chiotis, who performed the song “Famagusta”, a hymn to the occupied city, with the audience accompanying him with emotion and standing, applauding him.
During the event, the Mayors of Ayia Napa and Famagusta, Mr. Christos Zannetou and Dr. Simos Ioannou, symbolically awarded the crown of the Orange Queen to Ms. Anthoula Charalambous, as it was in 1967, as well as commemorative gifts to the two Queens, Ms. Anthoula Charalambous and Ms. Olga Kazamia, as well as to the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou.
Before the start of the event, the Minister toured the THALASSA Museum and the ceramics exhibition of the Pancyprian Association of Potters and Ceramists entitled "Scents of Famagusta", accompanied by the two Mayors and the President of the Association.
