When travelling I always look out for festivals, or events that are taking
place in a destination. It’s a perfect way to get an extra bit of taste for the
local culture, and have a bit of fun while on holiday... or even on business.
Sometimes it’s also important to look out for these events as they can
also have a negative effect on your holidays. Events such as conferences that
take up all hotel capacity in a destination can push up prices, and mean you
are surrounded with conference goers. Religious events can sometimes mean you
are limited to alcohol or certain types of food..
In North Cyprus, religious events dot really effect your holiday
experience as during Ramadan for example there is still alcohol served and restaurants
re open as normal. However there is the effect of Turkish nationals come in the
droves to celebrate the end of the festival. This affects hotel availability
and prices during this time.
Below are some festivals and events that make the difference on your
holiday.
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| Olive Products at Zeytinlik Olive Festival |
Bellapais Silk Festival (01 May to 31 May 2014)
Silk was once a major export for Cyprus. Famous for its quality silk production,
Cyprus used silk and its by products to their maximum effect. Cypriots used
silk for sewing and also the chamber like cocoon they were in for handicraft.
This festival celebrates this handicraft. Well worth visiting to see some
traditional Cypriot examples of cultural heritage at their best. Delightful examples
of Cypriot tradition... Perfect to bring home as a souvenir too.
Bellapais International Music Festival (15 May –
22 June 2014
This event has been taking place since 1996. An international event that celebrates
music of international origins. Mainly classic music, there is a combination of
pianist, Oboe layers, guitarists and bands from all over the world.
Countries that were for example involved in 2013 include Turkey, North
Cyprus, Macedonia, Austria, and Italy.
Musicians last year included Gianluca Belfiori Doro (Controtenor), Maurizio
Moretti(Piano), The Military Band Of The Turkey, Vasil Atanasov (Oboe), Todor
Svetiev(Piano), Elisso Gogibedaschwili (Violin), Regina Chernychko (Piano),
Leyla Çolakoğlu (Soprano), Bilgehan Erten
(Violin ), Rüya Taner(Piano), Dinçer
Özer (Percussion), Ahmet
Sönmezler, to name a few.
The event
is on a ticket basis, and it is held fin the famous Bellapais refectory with
its Gothic architecture. A truly amazing experience, this event is well worth
visiting and even timing your holiday for. The music events are spread out over
several days and so you are likely to catch a performance while there during
this time.
Guzelyurt (Morphou) Orange Festival (15 June 2014 - 30 June 2014)
Guzelyurt is the heart of the
citrus growing industry in North Cyprus. With acres of fertile land with many
citrus fruits including oranges, Satsuma and lemons, citrus fruit (mainly
oranges) are very important to the local people.
Before tourism started growing in
importance fresh fruit exports were the major income source for the island. The
festival celebrates the fruits importance to the locals. Visiting Guzelyurt
during this time of the year, you will be able to see local concerts, parades, handicrafts
and events taking place. This is a free event and if you are in north Cyprus,
well worth a visit for that added flavour on your holiday.
Ramadan Religious Festival in North Cyprus
(28 June 2014 - 27 July 2014)
This is a period that Muslims fast during the day. It’s
a time to remember those that are in hunger and a time to reflect on this. The
period does not really affect your travels itself as in North Cyprus
restaurants and bars are still open, with many locals still using these.
However it’s worth noting that at the end of this period, many Turks from
mainland travel to North Cyprus to celebrate, and hotels get busy, and
supplements are charged for staying at these times. On the other hand the may celebrations
also bring many Turkish concerts and events, and so give an opportunity for Turkish
pop lovers to see their favourite singers.
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| Music Festivals In North Cyprus |
International Famagusta Art and Culture Festival (01
July 2014 - 31 July 2014)
The international Famagusta
Art and culture festival is located at the amphitheatre of the ancient Salamis
ruins. What a place to be, and an amazing way to really experience what the
people of bygone did… well almost, as most events have electricity and
amplifiers to suit.
The event hold spectacle to theatre shows, arts,
dancing, acrobatics and music events. It brings together the best of culture
from around the world showcasing the many different types of performances out
there.
The show has been going since 1987, and it aims to
make Famagusta the place to be for culture vultures. Music performances include
music types including classic music, Acid Jazz, Jazz, Groove, Reggae, world music,
Socca and much more. Recent appearances included that of the Wailers, which was
of course the band that Bob Marley played with.
North
Cyprus Salsa Jam (04 September – 08 September 2014)
This international Salsa event has been holding
place in Kyrenia for 9 years. 2014 is not any different, with many enthusiasts and professionals
linked to the world of Salsa attending. Why not book your place and get
involved…you will need purchase passes to get involved at this event
This year the event is confirmed to have the following
dance schools and instructors and DJ’s attending including Palamambo Dance
Company from France, Gosia & Kulpa;
Daniel from Poland, Sean Babatunde from UK, Isaia & Sissi From Italy, Nando & Susie from Colombia & Sweden, Ersin & Hande from Turkey, Miranda & Gintas from Netherlands, Javo
Panzo (Aka Dj Kafe) from Canada, Latin Influence from Italy, Engin & Damla from
Turkey, Johann & Kenza from France, Sahar Abu from Lebanon, Veronica Lopez from
Spain, Crypto Dance Academy from Turkey,
Ministry Of Dance from Cyprus, Tigin & Semra from Cyprus, DJ Saoko from Venezuela / USA, DJ Virgil from Netherlands , DJ OJ Salsero from Egypt, DJ
Isaia El Profeta from Italy
| Folk Dancing |
North
Cyprus International Music Festival (15 September 2014 - 18
October 2014)
This international event
takes place at various locations throughout North Cyprus. It brings together a
showcase of different performances. It gives that something different with popular
shows including Tango, Flamenco, Choir music, and more.
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| North Cyprus Musician |
North
Cyprus Olive Festival (01 October 2014 - 12 October 2014)
The olive festival is showcased in the village of Zeytinlik.
The straight translation for this means place of olives. An excellent
coincidence or selective location... The latter I think is the right opinion.
The event showcases locally produced olives, olive products such as olive
bread, olive oil, olive soaps, and more. There is a range of stalls offering
the best of local traditions such as handicrafts and local traditional Cypriot foods.
There is also live music and folk dancing and other concerts during this
period. This is very much worth visiting if you are looking to see the
traditional Cyprus. You won’t be disappointed.
North Cyprus is very much an active place for
culture, dancing and amazing food. If you time your visit according to the many
events you will add that extra bit of excitement to your stay.
Have you been to any events in North Cyprus? Tell us
about them.
