In the historic Frangokastello, a sacred place identified with Crete's struggles for freedom, the twinning between the Municipality of Ayia Napa and the Municipality of Sfakia took place on the evening of Sunday, May 17, 2026, as part of the anniversary event honoring the Battle of Frangokastello and the sacrifice of the Epirote chieftain Hatzimichalis Dalianis and his fellow warriors, in the presence of political, military and local authorities, delegations from the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Pogoni, associations and a large crowd.
During the first part of the event, which took place in the courtyard of the Fortress and included a memorial service by the venerable fathers, the laying of wreaths, a minute of silence and the playing of the National Anthem, the Mayor of Ayia Napa laid a wreath on behalf of the Municipality.
The second part continued inside the Fortress with greetings and speeches, while the main speaker was the educator and writer Mr. Giorgis Kalogerakis, who referred to the Battle of Frangokastello, the actions of Hatzimichalis Dalianis and the importance of his sacrifice for the historical course of Hellenism.
This was followed by the signing of the twinning protocol between the two Municipalities by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, and the Mayor of Sfakion, Mr. Yiannis Zervos, and an exchange of gifts took place.
The event concluded with an artistic program by the Ayia Napa Folklore Club "Toumpezia", the Epirote Association of Chania Prefecture and the Traditional Association of Chania Prefecture "Ta Sfakia", which presented traditional dances of Cyprus, Epirus and Crete as well as rizitika songs and received warm applause from the audience.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, described the twinning of the Municipalities of Ayia Napa and Sfakia as an act of historical memory, national continuity and cultural responsibility, focusing on the historical figure of Hatzimichalis Dalianis.
He referred to the Pogoni – Ayia Napa – Sfakia route, emphasizing that it symbolizes the struggle, sacrifice and unity of Hellenism. He made particular reference to the only recorded battle of the Greek Revolution in Cyprus, which took place in Ayia Napa in 1826, as well as the anniversary events for the 200th anniversary of the battle and the unveiling of the bust of Dalianis in the harbor of Ayia Napa.
At the same time, he emphasized that twinning opens new avenues of cooperation in the fields of culture, historical research, education and tourism, while he praised the importance of the ties between Ayia Napa, Sfakia and Pogoni.
Mr. Zannetou also referred to the new development path of the enlarged Municipality of Ayia Napa after the local government reform, highlighting the modern identity of the Municipality that combines tourism, culture, history and tradition. He also emphasized that the preservation of historical memory is a duty towards future generations and reiterated the timeless ties between Greece and Cyprus through the struggles of Hellenism.
In closing, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, expressed his warm thanks to the Mayor of Sfakion, Mr. Ioannis Zervos, for the hospitality and the moving ceremony of remembrance and honor, the Mayor of Pogoni, Mr. Konstantinos Kapsalis, the Municipal Councils, the organizers and to all those who contributed to the realization of this important event. He also thanked the delegation of the Municipality, especially the Deputy Mayors, Mr. Antonis Koumis, Mr. Markos Koumis, Mr. Nikos Vasilas, the President of the Association “Aroma” of Ayia Napa – Friends of the Sculpture Park, Mr. Christakis Pittas, for their presence and support, and the Folklore Club “Toumpezia” for their participation in the event.
In his greeting, the Mayor of Sfakia, Mr. Ioannis Zervos, referred to the timeless symbolism of the sacrifice of Hatzimichalis Dalianis and the importance of twinning as a “historical bridge” that unites the three emblematic places of Hellenism: Sfakia, Pogoni and Ayia Napa. He emphasized that “there are no geographical borders when there is a common historical destiny and common values”, underlining that the ties of the three Municipalities constitute a legacy for future generations.
For his part, the Mayor of Pogoni, Mr. Konstantinos Kapsalis, described Hadjimichalis Dalianis as “the embodiment of the Panhellenic idea” and noted that with the twinning of Sfakia and Ayia Napa “the sacred triangle of national memory is closed: Pogoni – Sfakia – Ayia Napa”. At the same time, he highlighted the importance of preserving historical memory through collaborations, cultural exchanges and actions for the new generation. Special mention was made of the historical bond of Cyprus with Hadjimichalis Dalianis, who participated in 1826 in the only organized battle of the Greek Revolution on Cypriot soil, connecting Ayia Napa with his heroic struggle throughout time.
In her greeting, which was read during the event, the Deputy Minister of Immigration and Asylum, Ms. Sevi Voloudaki, emphasized that the anniversary of the Battle of Frangokastello is a day of honor for all those who fought "with self-denial and a sense of responsibility for the freedom of our country."
The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Greece, Mr. Stavros Avgoustides, in his greeting read by the Cultural Attaché, Mr. Loukas Xenophontos, congratulated the Municipalities of Sfakia and Ayia Napa on their twinning, characterizing it as an act of historical memory and strengthening the fraternal bonds between Crete and Cyprus. He referred to Hadjimichalis Dalianis as an emblematic figure of the struggle of Hellenism for freedom and dignity, emphasizing that his sacrifice at Frangokastello is a timeless symbol of self-denial and patriotism.
At the same time, he emphasized that the twinning of the two Municipalities constitutes a powerful symbolism of unity and brotherhood of Hellenism, transferring to future generations the values of freedom, dignity and common historical memory.
MP and former Mayor of Sfakion, Mr. Pavlos Polakis, referred to the first phase of the twinning with the Municipality of Pogoni and Delvinaki, the hometown of Hatzimichalis Dalianis, during his mayoralty, noting that "today this cycle closes, which was the first realization, through the heroic acts of Hatzimichalis Dalianis, of the unified defense area of Greece - Cyprus."
"In a situation," he added, "where everything was being threatened by fear and Turkey, there were some people, bright personalities, who led the liberation struggle, which watered the tree of freedom for a century, because Hatzimichalis Dalianis and his lads fell in this fortress."
"We are entering difficult times," said Mr. Polakis, emphasizing that "such events rekindle national memory and remind the new generations, who are here today and watching, how we got to where we are today."
Finally, he congratulated the Municipalities of Sfakia and Pogoni, as well as the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, for today's event, noting that "this is truly a bonding of our communities."
The event was also welcomed by the Deputy Governor of Chania, Mr. Nikolaos Kalogeris, who praised the brotherly bond between the three Municipalities, which, as he said, are connected by the Epirus Commander and hero Hatzimichalis Dalianis.
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