The second night of the three-day events of the Ayia Napa Flood / Fish Festival / Water Festival concluded with unprecedented success and a large crowd, with the enchanting concert of the beloved artist Giorgos Sampanis provoking excitement and creating an inseparable atmosphere in Agios Georgios Square.
Thousands of citizens of all ages flooded the area early, giving a unique vibe, on an evening that was characterized by the impressive turnout and the excellent performance of Giorgos Sampanis, which thrilled the audience.
The event was honored with his presence by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannou, who in his greeting thanked the Municipality of Ayia Napa for the invitation and praised the importance of the Flood Festival, emphasizing that it is an institution that successfully combines entertainment with the preservation of folk tradition.
"It is no coincidence," he said, "that the Flood Festival in Ayia Napa has become established in the consciousness of Cypriot society, becoming a magnet for thousands of visitors every year."
The Minister added that the Municipality's decision to incorporate the Fish Festival and the Water Festival into the events enhances the promotion of the cultural identity of the Famagusta region and the promotion of local tradition.
He also emphasized that "through the rich events, centuries-old customs and traditions are revived, offering visitors the opportunity to come into contact with our folkloric heritage", while underlining the Government's continued support for actions that promote folk culture, especially in the new landscape that is taking shape after the reform of Local Government.
The Minister also praised the cooperation of the five municipal districts of the new Municipality of Ayia Napa and congratulated the Municipal Authority for its continuous efforts to upgrade the local product, as well as the organizers and volunteers for the impeccable organization.
For his part, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, in his greeting, stated that this year's Flood Festival takes on special significance, as it is the first to be held under the new structure of the enlarged Ayia Napa Municipality, after the major reform of Local Government.
"This is a celebration that honors our roots, traditions and cultural identity, while at the same time being a reminder of the responsibility we have for the preservation and protection of our culture," he said.
He noted that "in the new expanded operating framework, we are even more dynamically assuming the role of safeguarding our history, culture and tradition, because a people that forgets its history has no future."
Concluding, he emphasized that "through the events of the Flood we build bridges between yesterday and tomorrow. We honor our roots and history, while at the same time giving the new generation a platform to create, express themselves and propose."
The evening began with traditional Cypriot dances by the "Giasoumia" Dance Group of Achna, while upon the Minister's arrival, the Cyprus Police Force Philharmonic played music, accompanying his path to the event venue.
Also, during the event, the Minister of the Interior, accompanied by the Mayor of Ayia Napa, toured the event venues and visited the kiosks, where he had the opportunity to admire up close the traditional fish grilling, fishing crafts and related demonstrations, while tasting fresh fish and various local delicacies.
