With a rich program of events and activities that began on May 12 and culminates this three-day period (May 16–18, 2025), offering creative, entertaining and learning experiences for children and adults, the Municipality of Ayia Napa actively participates in the global celebration of International Museum Day, honoring the contribution of museums to society and Culture in general.
The events began with the theater-pedagogical program "Legends of Occupied Cyprus through Theater", by the Theater Workshop of Nadia Tomasidou, creatively involving the children of the Ayia Napa Primary School "Antonis Tsokkos" in the experiential approach to our folk tradition with the experiential workshop "Arkosiiros of Lampousa (Lapithos, Karavas). This was followed by the narrative performance "The Triplets and the Dragon of Milia", with Elenitsa Georgiou transporting the audience through the adaptation of the narration and the song accompanied by Christina Polykarpou in Cretan to the world of Cypriot fairy tales. The fairy tale was recorded by Lambros Polykarpou after the narrations of his grandparents and illustrated with engravings by the engraver Hambis Tsangaris.
On Tuesday, May 13, a repeat of the theater-pedagogical program, “Legends of Occupied Cyprus through Theater”, was held by the Theater Workshop of Nadia Tomasidou, creatively involving the children of Dasaki Achna Primary School, while the participants had the opportunity to be guided through the exhibition spaces of the THALASSA Museum. The day closed with the lecture of Dr. Angelos Smagas entitled “Archaeological Tours in Cape Greco”, which was crowned with great success. Participation exceeded all expectations, as more than 140 citizens and visitors attended the event, confirming the growing interest in local history and archaeology.
The event was prefaced by the Deputy Mayor of the Sotiras Municipal District of the Municipality of Ayia Napa, Mr. Antonis Koumis, who, after welcoming the audience, emphasized the importance of this year's celebration of International Museum Day, with the central theme "Museums and Societies in Constant Change". In his speech, he highlighted the crucial role of museums as custodians of cultural memory but also as active pillars of social cohesion in a constantly changing environment.
During his presentation, Dr. Angelos Smagas took the audience on a journey through time, illuminating the historical and archaeological journey of Cape Greco. Through documented references to archaeological findings and historical sources, he highlighted the multi-layered significance of the area as a place of human presence and cultural continuity from prehistoric times to the present day.
The evening concluded with warm comments and discussion with the audience, underlining the value of such initiatives for the dissemination of knowledge and the strengthening of cultural dialogue.
The events continued on Wednesday, May 14, with actions that focus once again on Cypriot tradition and the legends of occupied Cyprus, through creative activities for children and adolescents, in which the Avgorou Primary School participated.
On Thursday, May 15, the participants, the students of Sotiras Primary School, had the opportunity to take part in the interactive game "I'm trying to solve riddles and discover the hidden treasure!" in the Museum's premises, as well as in the educational workshop "The lost paintings of the Famagusta Municipal Gallery", which offered an experiential experience around the work and history of Cypriot artists.
The educational program "Water Stories", a sensitive and participatory narrative by Elenitsa Georgiou, with the participation of children from the Apostolos Varnava Special School, continues today, Friday, May 16. Through stories inspired by the element of water, children will travel to worlds of imagination and emotions.
On Saturday, May 17, the creative workshop "Create your own personal theater" with Vasiliki Andreou will take the lead, where children will be inspired by the museum's exhibits to create their own theatrical scenes and figures.
The events culminate on Sunday, May 18 – International Museum Day, with the Museum welcoming the public from 10:00 to 20:00 with free admission.
At 16:00 there will be a guided tour of the Museum (with reservation at 23816366), while at 18:30 young and old will enjoy the theatrical performance "A Fairy Tale Begins..." by the PICCOLO Theater - a live narration that combines speech, music and imagination.
The THALASSA Museum invites you all to celebrate with it.
