Thousands attend mountain communities festival in Troodos, Cyprus
Thousands of people visited the third Let’s Go Troodos festival in the mountainous Troodos region of Cyprus last weekend. The event, held on the grounds of the presidential residence, brought together local producers, artisans and a family programme, and aimed to support the island’s mountain communities.
As Cyprus Mail reports, stalls offering honey, halloumi, loukoumi, handmade soap, woven products and small-batch preserves were set up in the residence garden. Visitors were able to sample local goods and speak with craftspeople from mountain villages.
Workshops and charity
The festival programme included workshops on making palouze, weaving, working with silk, mosaics, perfumery and traditional cuisine. Pottery classes and sessions on playing traditional musical instruments were also held. Musicians and performers of tsiattista, a Cypriot poetic tradition, performed for guests.
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Ten percent of the proceeds from the stalls were donated to the Eleousa home for the elderly in Agros. The festival was initiated by First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides. The event was held in partnership with the deputy ministries of tourism and culture, the commissioner for mountain areas and the Press and Information Office.
Support for mountain villages
Deputy Minister of Tourism Costas Koumis said that the significant number of visitors demonstrated interest in traditional Cypriot products and crafts. Commissioner for Mountain Areas Charalambos Christofinas noted that such events support the primary sector and people who live and work in mountainous areas.
The presidential residence in Troodos was built in 1879–1880 for Sir Garnet Wolseley, the first British governor of Cyprus. After Cyprus gained independence, the building became the property of the republic and continues to be used by the president. Christofinas confirmed that the festival is planned to be held next year as well, with new activities added.
