Cyprus is preparing for a major transformation of its tourist calendar.
The Ministerial Council recently approved an ambitious plan initiated by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism, which from 2027 will introduce a completely new concept — “Easter Villages”. This project aims not only to diversify the offer for the island’s guests, but also to breathe new life into remote regions, making them centers of cultural attraction.
The essence of the initiative is to select ten municipalities or communities located along the “Heartland of Legends” tourist route. This route covers picturesque rural, mountainous and border areas, which still remain in the shadow of mass beach tourism. The selected communities will have the opportunity to develop and host a rich program of live, interactive events that will last for a whole week — from Holy Thursday to St. Thomas Week (Sunday after Easter).
The organizers are preparing for the guests a real immersion in the Cypriot traditions.
Travelers will enjoy master classes on cooking Easter treats, acquaintance with ancient crafts, joint decoration of shrouds, folk games and training in traditional Cypriot dances. A special emphasis is placed on exploring the spiritual heritage: the program includes lectures on Byzantine music and icon painting, as well as walking tours with licensed guides in the surrounding area. There are outdoor routes for outdoor enthusiasts, and an opportunity to purchase local products at special exhibition halls for gourmets.
As Deputy Minister of Tourism Kostas Koumis emphasized, this project pursues several strategic goals at once. Firstly, it is the strengthening of the tourist product during the Easter period, when many travelers are looking not just for a vacation by the sea, but for deep cultural experiences. Secondly, it is a real support for rural communities, the creation of new reasons to attract visitors and, as a result, the economic development of these regions. Finally, it is the preservation and popularization of the distinctive Cypriot identity through live, authentic events that cannot be seen in a standard tourist brochure.
Detailed conditions for participation in the competitive selection and the application procedure will be announced later. However, it is already clear that the creation of “Easter Villages” will be an important step in the reorientation of tourist flows from congested coastal areas to rich historical and traditional corners of the Cypriot hinterland. This project will not only give guests an unforgettable holiday, but also help local residents to proudly showcase their cultural heritage, turning an ordinary village into a point of attraction for connoisseurs of a real, non-artistic atmosphere.
A source: economytoday.sigmalive.com
https://cyprusbutterfly.com.cy/news/na-kipre-poyavyatsya-pasxalnyie-derevni
