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- Ελληνικά
It is with great pleasure that I am here today in the beautiful Community of Fikardo, at a magical moment that marks the beginning of the festive season of Christmas, a season that fills all of us, young and old, with euphoria, joy and happiness.
The picturesque village of Fikardou is transformed for yet another year into a Medieval Christmas Village, out of a fairy tale, and takes its visitors back in time on a unique and unforgettable walk along the beautiful paths of local tradition.
The effort that you all put in together this year shows your dedication to highlight the local customs and products of the communities of Machairas (Fikardo, Lazania, Kabi, Agios Epiphanios, Farmakas and Gourris) and to preserve unchanged the authenticity that characterizes your villages. It is no coincidence that for the second year Fikardou was selected by the Ministry of Tourism for participation in the Christmas Villages Project, nor that for last year's event, you were named the Best Christmas Village and were awarded for it. For this honourable distinction, you are to be warmly congratulated.
The Nicos Christodoulides Government attaches great importance to the promotion and strengthening of rural areas and mountain villages. It is our conviction that the preservation of the historical and traditional character and physiognomy of our communities is a form of expression and strengthening of our culture. Our aim is to keep our mountain and rural villages alive by adopting development policies that contribute to the progress of the Communities, and by providing incentives that will attract new residents and professional activity to our villages. Existing and new housing programmes and actions in other areas, such as green development and the strengthening of entrepreneurship, are aimed in this direction.
In addition, in view of the implementation of the ambitious reform of local government, through the creation of Community Clusters, the benefits for rural residents are expected to be manifold. Local communities will now be able to respond more adequately and provide better and higher quality services to citizens in a direct way that serves their modern needs.
Friends,
My presence at today's celebration is evidence of the Government's commitment to supporting Communities. I would like to convey the State's message that, to the extent possible, we stand by your initiatives.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Chairman and members of the Community Councils of the Maharochoria Communities, as well as all the residents who have worked with love and care to put on this special celebration that will last until 14 January.
In conclusion, I would like to congratulate the Chairman and members of the Community Councils of the Maharochoria Communities, as well as all the residents who have worked with love and care to put on this special celebration that will last until 14 January. I am sure that, as they leave, your visitors will take with them, engraved in their memories, a piece of your villages' tradition.
I wish everyone good fun in the streets of Fikardo and a happy holiday season, with good health and personal and family happiness.
(MKY)
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