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- Русский
Tuesday, 4 July 2023 - 20:00
Today is World Festival Day and undoubtedly the Municipality of Sotiras recognizes its contribution to the recording and promotion of all forms of Spirit and Art through tonight's event, which it is organizing.
It is with great pleasure that I am among you tonight, especially because I am participating in the cultural gathering par excellence in relation to the tradition of our land... the Traditional Festival which is taking place for the tenth year.
Before I proceed to my brief greeting, allow me to convey the greetings of the President of the Republic, Mr. Nikos Christodoulides. It was not possible for him to be with us to participate in the unfolding of this unique cultural character of Cyprus. That is, the promotion of local tradition, which for ten consecutive years you have ensured that it is carried out with fervour and enthusiasm, especially in the modern and hectic era of a globalising world, as a responsible attitude for preserving the local element that enriches the mosaic of cultural expressions, as a form of collective identity and community ties, which must not be forgotten at all.
I assure you that both the Government and the President of the Republic, at a personal level, support every initiative implemented in the effort to continue folklore events, those coherent data that are not simply passed on from generation to generation as examples of folklore, but as a practical formulation and experience of people's everyday life, of human life itself, through literature, music, folk museums, customs and traditions, manifested in their historical-social dimension, adding cognitive interest and emotion to a century that runs - for many - mechanically.
The Festival, which aims again this year to promote the special characteristics and cultural traits of our country, through various artistic activities including dance, singing, gastronomy and the exhibition of Cypriot crafts, contributes without a doubt to the tracing of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage that we as Cypriots carry, being each and every one of us culture bearers.
Moreover, it is no coincidence that the Cultural Festival has already succeeded every summer in attracting thousands of visitors - local and foreign - from many parts of Cyprus, essentially claiming the place it deserves, namely to be among the important cultural events of the wider Famagusta Province.
Therefore, I congratulate the Cultural Committee of the Municipality of Sotiras that through this event, it is also an occasion for the "transmission" of the old values and ideas, as worthy models of culture in terms of "way of life".
Tonight's Festival is of particular interest and added value, since great artists have responded positively and are participating. It is structured in such a way that it is interspersed with a wide range of organized activities including a traditional feast with our talented compatriot and performer of folk and traditional songs Yiannis Dionysiou.
His distinctive voice will be accompanied by renowned musicians, as well as traditional dance groups of Famagusta District. The participants will present unique choreographies, combining various techniques and elements, thus creating an impressive atmosphere, which will nostalgically refer to another climate and another era.
The program could not be missing an exhibition of traditional crafts and tasting of traditional dishes. The authenticity and diversity of the cultural festival of the Municipality of Sotiras will fascinate and excite us once again.
As the Government, we welcome and applaud commendable actions such as this one, because they prove in the most obvious way that tradition is the presence of our people through time.
Such initiatives that bring together citizens and artists from many places undoubtedly inspire us. So let us enjoy every moment of this festival, because the sense of the rich cultural heritage that shapes our world is amazing.
Finally, let me again congratulate the Mayor and the Sotiras City Council, as well as all the contributors, for this remarkable and commendable initiative.
If we are truly rooted in this place, it is because you too have managed to preserve our customs, history and culture.
The Festival is not just an institution, it is a unique experience worth living for those who love culture and the arts. Let us all be companions in this summer journey of cultural journeys.
I wish you success, although I am sure that this is a given. Thank you and have fun to all.
(PM/AF)
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs to PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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