On Sunday, June 30, 2024, the Municipality of Sotira held a modest ceremony for the unveiling of the Tribute to the Farmer of Kolokasios that adorns the roundabout of the Holy Church of the Resurrection in Sotira.
Consecration was performed by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, Mr. Vasilios, flanked by priests of the Church of the Savior, in the presence of people.
The Mayor of Sotiras, Mr. George Takkas, addressed a greeting, mentioning the efforts made by the Sotiras Municipal Council to highlight and promote Kolokasios, culminating in the registration of Kolokasios Sotiras / Kolokasi - Pulles Sotiras in the register of appellations of origin and protected geographical indications, in August of 2016. He also thanked His Eminence the Metropolitan of Constantia and Famagusta, Mr. Vasilios, the representative of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Marias Panagiotou, the Mayor of Agia Napa Mr. Christos Zannetou, the President of SEDIGEP Sotiras Mr. Mario Pantelis, the sculptor of the project Mr. Filippo Giapani, the Municipal Council of Sotiras and all the staff of the Municipality.
On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment Dr. Maria Panagiotou's greeting was delivered by the Director of the Minister's office, Mr. Theodoulos Makrygiannis. Among other things, Mr. Makrygiannis referred to the Strategic Plan of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027, with the inclusion of multiple financing interventions. He also emphasized the importance of supporting producers' groups and organizations to strengthen negotiation skills, as well as the directness of the relationship between producer and consumer.
The conception of the idea of the Tribute to the producer of Kolokasios was explained by the sculptor Mr. Filippos Giapanis. In turn, he thanked the Mayor and the Municipal Council for the many years of cooperation and for the initiative to create the sculptures that adorn the Municipality of Sotiras, keeping alive the memory of the tradition and the people of the place.
Afterwards, commemorative plaques were awarded by the President of SEDIGEP Sotiras Mr. Mario Pantelis and the Mayor of Sotiras Mr. Georgios Takkas.
The highlight of the event was of course the unveiling of the Tribute to the Farmer of Kolokasios where the public rushed to take photos. The project was financed by the Municipality of Sotiras.