After a hiatus since 2019, the Pafos Aphrodite Festival 2024 made a return on Friday night with a performance of Verdi's La Traviata, marking the event's relaunch after a few years of absence. Speaking on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Vasiliki Kassianidou, expressed the government's strong support for the festival, highlighting its importance for Cyprus' cultural landscape. According to Kassianidou, the Ministry of Culture has provided pound 170,000 in sponsorship as part of its broader strategy to promote the arts, boost cultural tourism, and ensure access to cultural events for all citizens. 'Pafos Aphrodite Festival is a cultural event that fulfills all the abovementioned goals', the Deputy Minister said. The opening night, in front of Pafos Mediavel Castel which was used as part of the set, featured a collaboration between the Tbilisi State Opera, the State Ballet of Georgia, and the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. Kassianidou congratulated the Municipality of Pa fos, and each one who contributed to the organization of Pafos Aphrodite Festival 2024, stressing the importance of the involvement of local cultural institutions in such high-level cultural events. Mayor of Pafos and President of the "Pafos Aphrodite Festival" Phedonas Phedonos, expressed his pride for the return of the festival, emphasizing its long-standing contribution to Cyprus' cultural landscape. 'Throughout its 21 consecutive years, a journey that was neither easy nor guaranteed, the Festival has established itself as the premier independent artistic institution in our country, significantly contributing to Cyprus' presence on the cultural map of the Eastern Mediterranean,' Phedonos noted. Phedonos stressed the role of culture in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation across different people and groups, particularly in challenging times. He added that the relaunch of the festival, was part of the great goal of balanced development and progress for the city, which carries a heavy burden of c ultural heritage and tradition. Highlighting the festival's artistic caliber, Phedonos applauded the decision to stage Verdi's La Traviata, performed by the renowned Tbilisi Opera and Ballet State Theatre and accompanied by the Cyprus Symphony Orchestra. He welcomed the involvement of local ensembles and artists, reaffirming the festival's commitment to promoting Cypriot talent. The Mayor also stressed that reform in the field of Culture is imperative and that the state must design and implement a long-term program with vision, goals, and projects. Source: Cyprus News Agency
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