carob festival — The stage for the upcoming carob festival in Ayios Georgios, Peyia, will be relocated due to criticism over its initial placement in a protected area. This decision follows reports of an unauthorised private party held at the same location just last weekend.
- As local officials work to finalise the new stage location, the balance between community events and environmental preservation continues to be a focal point of discussion.
Theodoulos Mesimeris, director of the environment department, confirmed the change, stating, “We had a meeting with the competent authorities and decided that the platform will be removed, and the municipal event will take place in a new location.” With only three days remaining before the festival, he expressed confidence that the request would be reviewed in time.
Akamas mayor Marinos Lambrou announced that the new stage location would be moved approximately 70 to 100 metres away from the sea, aiming to accommodate the expected 2,000–3,000 visitors. Despite the original site being used for 13 years without incident, he acknowledged the need to address the environmental concerns raised.
Environmental organisation Terra Cypria had previously warned that any alterations to event sites in the area could jeopardise protected species. In light of the recent private party, which attracted around 200 attendees, the NGO urged for the immediate dismantling of the festival stage and a ban on future events at the site, reinforcing the importance of adhering to protection laws.
In response to the criticism, Lambrou noted that the original event lasted only a few hours, and he claimed that turtle nesting in the area had actually increased over the years. He dismissed suggestions that lights from events could disrupt nesting behaviours as “absurd.”
As the festival approaches, there remains uncertainty about the approval of the new plans. Lambrou expressed confidence that the environmental department would endorse the relocation, given the extensive discussions held with various governmental bodies.
Terra Cypria has voiced strong opposition to the festival’s original location, highlighting its proximity to nesting sea turtles, monk seals, and various bird species. The organisation has urged authorities to impose strict penalties for any violations of wildlife protection regulations, emphasising the necessity of safeguarding these habitats.
As local officials work to finalise the new stage location, the balance between community events and environmental preservation continues to be a focal point of discussion.
