The 1th Traditional Festival of the Sotiras Church was held with great success on Tuesday, July 12st, in the courtyard of the Holy Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, attracting a large crowd and confirming for yet another year the important role it plays as an institution for the promotion of Cypriot cultural identity.
The event was honored with the presence of the Minister of Transport, Communications and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis, who in his speech expressed his great joy for his participation in the celebration and praised the importance of preserving and promoting our cultural heritage.
He emphasized that the Sotira festival is an opportunity to reconnect with traditions and living proof of the timeless value of tradition and folk culture, congratulating the organizers and volunteers for their contribution to the success of the institution.
Mr. Vafeadis reiterated the Government's support for cultural actions that enhance social cohesion and local development, while announcing the completion of the sidewalk replacement project in Sotira by his Ministry, as a tangible example of the state's concern for local communities.
For his part, the Mayor of Ayia Napa, Mr. Christos Zannetou, described the Festival as a “celebration of our roots, culture and soul”, underlining that it is reminiscent of the difficult times when our ancestors, with hard work and toil, struggled for survival and the upbringing of their families. He pointed out the consistency with which Sotira, for 12 consecutive years, has been organizing this festival, with the aim of preserving customs and passing them on to younger generations, as well as reviving memories for the older ones.
Referring to the completion of one year since the establishment of the new Municipality, Mr. Zannettou noted that, together with the Deputy Mayors and with the excellent cooperation of the Municipal Council, they work daily with consistency and vision for a modern, functional, people-centered and resilient Municipality, which essentially responds to the needs of its citizens.
He also highlighted the coordinated efforts to highlight the hinterland and all municipal districts as places of experience and interest, calling on citizens to support the joint effort to achieve the common vision of prosperity and progress.
In his greeting, the Deputy Mayor of Sotira, Mr. Antonis Koumis, pointed out that the festival is dedicated to traditional Cypriot culture and described Sotira as a “Byzantine Town” and a cultural reference point. He presented the projects that have been implemented during the first year of his term, such as renovations, infrastructure improvements and cultural interventions, as well as projects that are already underway. He emphasized that the Municipal Department is working methodically for sustainable development, maintaining a steady course since the first day of assuming duties.
He thanked the Minister of Transport for placing the Festival under his auspices and for his presence, and asked for his further support in projects related to the safety and everyday life of citizens. At the same time, he warmly thanked all the participants of the festival, as well as the renowned artists Vasilis Skoulas and Vasiliki Hatziadamou for their unforgettable presence.
As a token of gratitude and appreciation, Mr. Koumis offered the Minister an icon of the Virgin Mary as well as the Mayor Mr. Christos Zannetou and the Deputy Mayors of the Municipalities of Achna Mr. Nikos Vasilas, Liopetri Mr. Markos Koumis, Avgorou Mr. Panayis Michailas, and Ayia Napa Mr. Antonis Christou for their kind and constructive cooperation. Correspondingly, the Mayor offered an icon to the President of the EOAA, Mr. Yiannis Karousos.
The artistic program began with the dance representation of rural Cypriot life, entitled “Sowing and Harvest”, curated by the Dance Group of the Sotira Municipal District for Adults and Children. This was followed by a recitation of the poem “Sotiras to Chorko mou” by Mr. Konstantinos Papastavrou, traditional “tsiattista” by the “Etous Pale” group and the evening culminated with the special concert “Crete – Cyprus: Musical Dialogues”, with the great performers Vasilis Skoulas and Vasiliki Hatziadamou, who were adored by the audience.
Throughout the event, visitors enjoyed traditional Cypriot food, sweets and drinks, which were available for sale by the organized groups of the Sotiras Municipal District.
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