Part of the Games

Hellenic cultural event to coincide with Olympics

CYPRUS has been invited to participate in a Hellenic cultural event during the Olympic Games in Athens this month, Nicosia mayor Michalakis Zampelas said yesterday.

‘The Park of Greek Culture’ will be based at the Pedio Tou Areos in Athens during the games from August 12-29. Thirteen Greek regions, including Crete, will host pavilions at the event, he said.

The main aim of this cultural event is to highlight the regional local characteristics of Hellenic culture.

Speaking to reporters at a media conference at Famagusta Gate yesterday, Zampleas said Cyprus’ presence at the cultural event would be through the Nicosia Municipality, following the close cooperation between both the municipalities of Nicosia and Athens.

The Nicosia Pavilion, which will be inaugurated at 1.30pm on August 12, covers an area of 100 square metres. It will display local products and services, including the locally produced spirit Zivania. The stand also aims to highlight as many characteristics of Cyprus, Nicosia and local culture in general, he said.

During the 17-day event, Cypriot traditional craftsmen will present their work at the pavilion from August 21-26. On August 22, a Cypriot night will be held at the Pedio Tou Areos Theatre at 9pm. This will include Cypriot traditional songs by Koullis Theodorou and dances by the traditional dance group Vasilitzia.

Zampelas added that Cyprus was also being awarded an entire day to exhibit cultural and artistic aspects of the island on August 25 at the Zappio Megaro.

“This is a great honour for Cyprus,” he said. “Cyprus will be shown to all the world through the many members of the mass media present at this event.”

Zappio Megaro Day will include a presentation of the films Nicosia (an eight and a half minute piece showing the capital’s various cultural, historical, social and political aspects) and A Tour on the Island of Cyprus, a Place of History and Culture.

A Cyprus music night will follow, with medieval music and traditional songs from Cyprus by Doros Demosthenous and his band. Cocktails and Cypriot specialities will also be served.

All events are open to the public, apart from the Zappio Megaro event, which is by invitation only, said Zampelas.

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