what s — what s — There’s plenty to enjoy this weekend in Cyprus, with a variety of festivals, creative workshops, exhibitions, recitals, and charity events lined up across the island.
Photo: cyprus-mail.com
What s: New Beginnings at the Cyprus Peace Festival
For the first time, the Cyprus Peace Festival will take place this Sunday at the Home for Cooperation in Nicosia. Organised by diverse communities from Cyprus, this inaugural event aims to foster dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence among attendees. The festival will feature participatory workshops for all ages, panel discussions, and a range of performances, encouraging interaction and cultural exchange.
Creative Workshops and Artistic Expressions
In Larnaca, the Larnaca Biennale continues its run with a creative writing workshop led by author Eleni Xenou on Saturday. Set to take place at the Nima Concept Store, the workshop will guide participants through storytelling exercises, encouraging them to explore personal narratives and their unique storytelling techniques.
Meanwhile, Limassol is buzzing with activity as the 1st ArtCargo Festival commences its first weekend. The vibrant festival includes street performances, circus acts, non-verbal performances, and physical theatre shows, showcasing both local and international talent. The city centre will transform into a stage filled with dynamic performances that highlight the diversity and creativity of the performing arts.
Exhibitions Showcasing Cypriot Talent
This weekend offers a chance to explore a variety of exhibitions. A notable event is the Crafting Continuity exhibition, running from Friday to Sunday at The Picnic in Nicosia. This group exhibition reinterprets Cyprus’ traditional crafts through the lens of young artists who have collaborated with master artisans from across the island and the diaspora.
Additionally, Klitsa Antoniou’s solo exhibition, A Compass without North, opens at Diatopos Art Centre in Nicosia. Curated by Daphne Nikita, this showcase will run until November 28, offering visitors insight into Antoniou’s artistic vision and interpretations.
In Paphos, the Aqua Memoria: Echoes of a Sacred Hill exhibition is concluding this weekend. This site-specific showcase intertwines contemporary art with the historical context of the Fabrica archaeological site. The work of seven participating artists, including Elena Daniel and Rinos Stefani, draws inspiration from antiquity, creating new artistic relationships with the historical narrative of the site. Sunday marks the last opportunity to engage with this unique exhibition.
Musical Highlights This Weekend
The Cyprus Symphony Orchestra is presenting a series of concerts this autumn, with the Starlight 1 concert series featuring soloists Thomas Zehetmair and Ruth Killius. Performances will be held at the Pattihio Theatre in Limassol on Thursday and at the Nicosia Municipal Theatre on Friday, providing an opportunity to experience classical music in a stunning setting.
This weekend also features the Chamber Music 2 concert, where the orchestra collaborates with Trio Milongero to deliver an evening of Argentinian tango music. Concert-goers can attend performances at the Municipal Theatre G. Lycourgos in Larnaca on Saturday or at the Pallas Theatre in Nicosia on Sunday.
For fans of Indian classical music, The Shoe Factory in Nicosia will host a special concert featuring renowned artists Pandit Arnab Chakrabarty on sarod, Vidushi Roopa Panesar on sitar, and Ustad Shahbaz Hussain on tabla this Saturday.
Cultural Experiences and Charity Events
This Sunday, the traditions and crafts of Fini village will be celebrated in Nicosia with a special Ppalouze-making event at the Lysarides Foundation. Starting at 10.30am, attendees can enjoy ppalouze demonstrations by women artisans, purchase traditional Cypriot products, and experience the rich culture of the village.
Also taking place this weekend is the charity book bazaar, Buy a Book Save a Stray, at Yfantourgeio TheWorkplace in Nicosia. This event, running from 11am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday, will offer a variety of pre-loved book titles, with all proceeds going towards supporting the needs of animals cared for by P.A.W.S. (Protecting Animals Without Shelter).
Upcoming Events and Activities
- ArtCargo Festival: A festival featuring circus and street performances until November 15 throughout Limassol. More info at artcargofest.com.
- Creative Writing Workshop: Led by Eleni Xenou on November 8 at Nima Concept Store, Larnaca from 10.30am-1pm. Fee: €12. More info at biennalelarnaca.com.
- 1st Cyprus Peace Festival: Taking place on November 9 at Home for Cooperation, Nicosia from 10am-6pm. Free admission, registration required. Find details on the festival’s Facebook page.
- Crafting Continuity Exhibition: Runs from November 7-9 at The Picnic, Asklipiou 36, Nicosia. Visit fashionheritagecy.com for more.
- A Compass without North: Exhibition by Klitsa Antoniou from November 8-28 at Diatopos Art Centre, Nicosia. More info at diatopos.com.
- Aqua Memoria Exhibition: Ends November 9 at Fabrica Hill, Kato Paphos. Contact [email protected] for details.
- Chamber Music 2: Performances on November 8 in Larnaca and November 9 in Nicosia at 8pm. Tickets: €12. More info at cyso.org.cy.
- Ppalouze-making Event: November 9 at Lysarides Foundation, Nicosia at 10.30am. Free event.
- Buy a Book Save a Stray: Charity event on November 8-9 at Yfantourgeio TheWorkplace, Nicosia from 11am-6pm.
