YERMASOYIA will keep alive an ancient tradition when it celebrates the coming of spring with its annual two day Flower Festival next weekend.
“Through the Flower Festival we aim to preserve an ancient tradition that is part of our cultural heritage, revive the flower festival and keep it for future generations. We also involve our youth in creative activities, showcase the role of nature and the environment, as well as enhance Limassol’s tourism product,” the Mayor of Yermasoyia Andreas Gavriellides told a press conference on Friday.
The festival, which takes place on Saturday and Sunday 10-11 May, will start on Saturday at 7.00pm with the opening of a flower and plant exhibition at Potamos Yermasoyias parking area. Visitors will be able view and purchase a wide array of flowers and plants at reduced prices. The exhibition will be opened by the head of Limassol District Administration, Anastasia Mavrelli.
In addition to plants and flowers, the two-day flower exhibition will feature traditional handicrafts and wine products. There will also be a competition for the best flower arrangement, among participating flower shops.
To create atmosphere, all the buildings located along Georgios A’ street, and Christakis Kranou street will be decorated with flowers for the duration of the festival.
On Saturday evening there will be an entertainment programme, starting at 7.30pm, with music and dancing by the Yermasoyia Municipal Choir, student folk dancing groups, as well as modern, Latin and break dancing groups.
The festival’s peak will be the flower parade, starting on Sunday at 6.30pm at Stymfalidon street and ending at the crossing of Christaki Kranou street with the main seafront road.
This year, there will be a record number of participating groups. “This year there will be 33 participating groups. This, as well as the number of people who will be involved, show that the flower festival has been established among Limassolinas, as well as all Cypriots,” said Gavrielides.
The festival is organised by Yermasoyia Municipality, under the auspices of the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Tourism Antonis Pashalides. The Cyprus Tourism Organisation will contribute €10,666 for the organisation of the festival, the total cost of which is estimated at €40,000.
Gavrielides also confirmed that plans for a major transformation of the Amathou riverbed area, where most of Yermasoyia’s cultural events take place, are well underway. Plans include the creation of a square, which will host a small theatre, a children’s play area, tourist kiosks, cafes, taverns and green areas.
“This project will totally transform the image of the tourist area. A presentation was made to the Ministry of Agriculture and we are presently completing the hydrological study. We hope that very soon we will be in a position to start with the project’s architectural plans,” the Mayor said.
