Pnoi Stes Rizes: Traditional Festival in Paralimni 2026

This free community and cultural event in Paralimni, Cyprus transforms the courtyard of the Metropolitan Church of Agios Georgios into a vibrant space of tradition, creativity, and intergenerational connection on Saturday, April 4, 2026 from 10:00 to 16:00. Organised by the Paralimni Youth Association as part of the Municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia's festival «Fones tziai Thymises», the day is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the living heritage and customs of the local community.

From 10:00 to 14:00, twelve experiential workshops run alongside a Human Library. Visitors can try their hand at traditional crafts, explore traditional musical instruments, attempt writing their own tsiattista (Cypriot improvisational poetry), and listen to village stories shared by people who carry memories of another era. The Human Library format places participants in direct conversation with these living carriers of cultural knowledge — an experience that is as personal as it is communal.

Throughout the entire day, a traditional kafeneio (coffee house) is in operation, offering Cypriot coffee brewed on embers, homemade lemonade, and spoon sweets, alongside the option to sit down for a friendly game of backgammon. Food stalls will also be available on site, and a dedicated midday break is built into the programme for everyone to relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Following the break, the afternoon continues with short speeches and the award ceremony for the student competition «Paralimni of Then in the Now» — a combined tsiattista poetry and painting competition with entries from primary and secondary schools across the Municipality of Paralimni–Deryneia. Three prizes will be awarded in each category, and visitors will also have the opportunity to vote for the People's Choice winner.

🗓️ Schedule
Saturday, April 4, 2026 | 10:00–16:00 (Courtyard of the Metropolitan Church of Agios Georgios, Paralimni)

For more information and registration details, please contact the organiser directly.