"Are you from Kokkinochoria?"

a 437 Nea Famagusta
a 7438 Nea Famagusta
By Zafeiros Anastasiou

How many times did they happen to ask you this question and automatically a strange grimace was created on their face, as if Kokkinochoria is Spinalonga and all of us lepers?… 

Many to guess ρά Now where this behavior came from I can not say with absolute certainty. Once I was talking to my friends and we wondered why they treat us like that, but we did not end up somewhere. What the hell are we doing and sticking to this resin? Because we may live in villages, but we are not humble!

So, what is racism for every time we say the phrase: "Yes, I come from Kokkinochoria"? What is eye rolling for?

I will start with the offer of the farmers in Liopetri, Sotira, Frenaros, Avgorou and Vrysoules. Is it a little? Who does such a difficult and risky job to feed the whole of Cyprus potatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, tomatoes, strawberries etc? But you who sit behind your desks and get your fat salary every month, if you do not eat a product from Kokkinochoria you are not thankful! The red potato is another thing, right? Therefore, respect for the pervolari!

Secondly and very importantly, who lacks his summers, the sea and the sun to serve domestic and foreign tourism? What if the resident of the province of Famagusta does not work, how will Ayia Napa and Protaras work so that you can come in the summer to eat your fish, swim on our crystal clear beaches, and drink your beautifully beaten frapedaki? Therefore, for our hospitality, I do not want shit!

But if we go to older years, such as the liberation struggle of 1955-59, how many children sacrificed Kokkinochoria? How many heroes from our region do we honor with pride every year? However, few are certainly not. But even today, when it comes to the army, it is rare to hear that Kokkinohoriatis was released. This will mean respect and faith in the homeland!

The other, the most important, I left for last. This is purely for women. You who think that Kokkinohoriatis is separate with a double cabin and everything related, you are making a big mistake, because he will never take you out without paying you for your coffee or food…

In conclusion, being a Kokkinohoriatis, you automatically have a label on you. Remember, however, that you grew up in a house with a garden and not in an apartment. Remember that you learned from an early age to work either in pergolas, or in hotels and souvenirs. Remember that humanity is not hidden in good cars and high status, but in good people. But most of all, remember that Kokkinohoriatis is not resin but pure pride. Therefore, bourgeois to say and look as much as they want…