kition graffiti — kition graffiti — Graffiti at the Kition archaeological site in Larnaca has become a focal point of concern for local authorities, with the city’s mayor demanding immediate action. Recent vandalism by football fans has escalated a long-standing issue involving graffiti in the area, which Mayor Andreas Vyras describes as having spiralled out of control.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
The latest incident occurred when supporters from the Anorthosis and AEK football clubs broke into the fenced-off site, spray-painting slogans across a significant wall. This act of vandalism is part of a disturbing trend that has been developing over the past two years, with graffiti appearing in various public spaces throughout Larnaca.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
In previous instances, Anorthosis fans had targeted palm trees along the Athens Avenue seafront, while AEK supporters went further by vandalising public monuments and recycling bins near the Larnaca Archaeological Museum. Their recent actions at Kition suggest that the graffiti problem is not only persistent but also growing more brazen.
Mayor Vyras expressed his frustration over the situation, stating, “One of the biggest problems we have is graffiti from organised fan groups. They have reached unacceptable levels and we are thinking about what to do.” He emphasised that the issue extends beyond just the Kition site, affecting numerous areas across the city.
Addressing the ongoing vandalism, Vyras indicated that he has been in discussions with local police and is planning a meeting with the football clubs involved. He is considering measures such as increasing the spectator tax on clubs, which could fund a dedicated clean-up crew to tackle the persistent graffiti problem.
“We are thinking of various measures, such as increasing the spectator tax on the clubs so we can set up a permanent team to clean up the graffiti. We would also like a special police unit to be set up to arrest people carrying out these acts,” Vyras explained.
The mayor revealed that the municipality currently requires four to five permanent workers to keep up with the graffiti situation, as crews often find themselves erasing slogans only to see them replaced the following day. “We are talking about permanent fan groups that go around the city writing slogans. It is as if we did nothing—they do it deliberately. Our effort is wasted,” he added, highlighting the frustration of local authorities.
The financial burden of this ongoing issue is significant, with the annual cost running into thousands of euros, as the municipality struggles to maintain the city’s image against the backdrop of rampant graffiti.
