Paphos – the cultural capital of Europe

An official opening took place in Paphos, dedicated to the ceremonial entry of the city into the status of the cultural capital of Europe. Fairly cold weather did not prevent thousands of residents and visitors to participate in this beautiful ceremony.

The main events took place on Saturday evening in the square in front of the City Hall. At the end of the speeches of officials, a light-music show was launched. Toward the end of the holiday, popular Greek singer Alkistis Protopsalti and Cypriot singer Doros Demosthenous performed before the audience.

The myth of the birth of Paphos was shown, performed by dozens of professional and young dancers, volunteers from all over Cyprus, as well as elementary school students.
Greek-Cypriot and Turkish-Cypriot singers and musicians formed a very harmonious ensemble, joined by the choir of the pathos music school and a jazz orchestra from the Danish Aarhus.

The presence of the event was honored by 40 representatives of other European capitals, as well as officials from several European embassies based in Cyprus and numerous journalists from Europe and Asia.

The ceremony was attended by the Chairman of the Parliament of Cyprus Dimitris Silluris Archbishop Chrysostomos and leaders of the country’s political parties.

The mayor of Paphos, Fedonas Fedonos, said in his speech: “Paphos has always been proud of its history and culture, but today, when we host Europe’s largest cultural festival, we feel particularly proud.”

In turn, the European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christ Stylianidis, noted that “Paphos is perhaps the smallest city that has ever received the title of European Capital of Culture, but there is no doubt about the very important message that can transfer to the whole of Europe in these difficult times. ”

The appeal of President Anastasiadis, who was outside of Cyprus during the solemn event, was read out by the Minister of Education and Culture Kostas Kadis. “At a time when humanity is facing terrorism, neighboring regions suffer from armed conflicts, the thematic action program of the European Capital of Culture 2017 sends messages of hope, promoting peace through culture and art,” he said.

All those present commended the opening ceremony, finding it excellent.

About the events that take place in the framework of the project “Paphos – European Capital of Culture 2017”, can be found on the website: www.pafos2017.eu.

09/14/2012

Paphos is selected as the European Capital of Culture 2017. This ancient Cypriot city was preferred by the expert council of European judges.

Do not forget that the application for the right to possess an honorary title in addition to Paphos was served by Limassol and together Nicosia and Larnaca. Limassol was eliminated in the first round last year.

The judges rendered their decision on September 14th. Four of the 13 experts visited both Paphos and Nicosia, where during the study tours they were able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of both candidate cities.

The honor of being called the European Cultural Capital of 2017 Paphos will share with the Danish city of Aarhus. The formal nomination ceremony by the EU Council of Ministers will be held next May.

European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth Andrulla Vasiliou congratulated Paphos on the victory. “I am very proud that for the first time a city in my home country will become the European Capital of Culture. I am sure that Paphos will be able to take advantage of all the advantages offered by this unique opportunity for the cultural and socio-economic development of the city. I wish Paphos success, ”said Vasiliou.