The spirit of Christmas
There’s lots of events on in the run-up to Christmas to make you feel festive
The fun of Christmas pantos may have come to end but there’s plenty more in store to keep you entertained this holiday season. From colourful exhibits to wonderful concerts, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste.
A wander around the island’s capital will fill children with cheer at the Christmas village set up within the walls near Eleftheria Square. Known as Fairytale Town, there are daily theatre shows, story telling, choir and musical performances and wonderful treats on sale. Shows include concerts and dance shows by the Grammar School, Highgate Primary School, the Blusette School of Music and the Rebel Dancers.
There’s even Christmas cartoons, which will be played on full screen, while kids can get their faces painted. Children can also go for a ride on the brightly lit carousel and take a wander in and out of the specially set up Christmas houses. To make up for the lack of snow, they’ve even put some fake white foam on the houses to add to the wintry spirit. Well, at least they tried!
With Christmas bringing thoughts of angels and fairies, you can also take children along to a dance performance tomorrow at the Patticheon Theatre in Limassol staged by the Moving Arts Centre. Do You Believe In Fairies? is a magical performance about these wonderful creatures and their relationship with the other species of the forest. As an attack on racism and xenophobia, the show finds fun ways to introduce youngsters to the ideas of acceptance and unity. Eighty children will be participating in the show, as well as a group from the ‘Stardust’ Theatrical Workshop.
But Christmas fun is not all about the kids. Sure, they may get far more excited than we do as they run around on Christmas Eve waiting for Santa, but adults also deserve their fair share of entertainment. And we certainly can’t talk about festive cheer without a mention of good old Christmas carols. This Tuesday the Catholic Holy Cross Church in Nicosia will host the Madrigal Choir, under the direction of Miroslav Gospodinoff, which will perform German and Cypriot Christmas songs. For some truly traditional pieces you can go along to the Nicosia Municipal Theatre tomorrow evening where the Nicosia Music Society will be presenting the 22nd Pancyprian Christmas Carols and Religious Song Festival.
The holiday season also brings with it the ongoing dilemma of what to buy for whom. While going down to the shops is always fun, it’s a good idea to try and get hold of something unique for loved ones. A piece of fine art is a great idea to treat someone, and there are a few current exhibits that should please anyone near and dear to you. A visit to Gallery K in Nicosia, will give you the chance to set your sights on paintings by well-known local artists, as well as jewellery and decorative objects. Gallery Kypriaki Gonia in Larnaca is also organising a Christmas exhibit, where you can get hold of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, engravings, mosaics, photography and handmade watches.
Wherever you are on the island this Christmas, it seems like there’s plenty to enjoy. You may well be caught up in trying to decide if the tree looks better with gold or silver baubles, if dad would prefer the Marks and Spencer woolly jumper or thick knit scarf, and if your little girl really needs another bright pink Barbie themed toy. But don’t forget that Christmas is not all about rushing around like a headless chicken making ‘to do’ lists, shopping lists and ‘don’t forget’ lists. It’s also about soaking up the festive atmosphere that only comes once a year. So sit back, relax, and make a note in your diary of all the events that most appeal to you.
Nicosia Christmas Village
With daily events until January 7. Within the walls between Eleftheria and Solomou Square, Nicosia. Tel: 22- 797010
Do You Believe in Fairies?
Child’s Dance Theatre performance by the Moving Arts Centre. December 18. Pattichion Municipal Theatre, Limassol. 7pm. Tel: 99383379 or 25583343.
German Mardigal Choir
Songs for Christmas, with the accompaniment of the Cyprus Brass Quartet. Including German and Cypriot Christmas songs. December 19. Catholic Holy Cross Church, Paphos Gate. Donations will be given to needy children in Cyprus. 8.30pm. Free. Tel: 22-674608
Nicosia Music Society
22nd Pancyprian Christmas Carols and Religious Song Festival. December 18. Nicosia Municipal Theatre. 8pm. £3. Tel: 77772717
Christmas Exhibit
Group exhibition with works by well know artists, jewellery and art objects. Until January 6. Gallery K, 14 Evrou St, Strovolos. Tel: 22-341123
Group Exhibit For Christmas
Including paintings, sculpture, ceramics, photography and mosaics. Until January 10. Gallery Kypriaki Gonia, 45 Stadiou St. Monday-Saturday 10am-1pm and 4.30pm-8pm. Sunday 11am-2pm and 4pm-7pm. Tel: 24-621109
