Cyprus represents the heritage of a country endowed with a history of over 10,000 years. The passing of 10 millennia has made this small country an endless banquet of history and has given an incredible rich heritage and enviable culture. The fact that UNESCO has included in its official World Heritage List, the Sanctuary of Aphrodite, antiquities of Pafos, Neolithic settlement of Khirokitia and ten Byzantine churches in Troodos, gives an indication of the rich cultural heritage of the island.
Significant historical personalities such as Alexander the Great and Cleopatra have connected their names with the Island. Aphrodite, the beauty and love Goddess, was born in Cyprus and her name identifies with that of the Island (Kyprida).
Despite the fact that in its history of many centuries, it faced many conquerors, Cyprus developed and for thousand years maintained its culture, assimilating any type of influence. Cyprus, remained the center of the Hellenic culture with a few distinctive characteristics.
With the passing of years, the distinct identity and character of the Cypriots has been formated as well. The people of Cyprus are characterised by, their progressiveness, education and open-heartiness. They are also known for being hard-working and condescending. A well known characteristic of all the Cypriots and especially of the people living in the countryside, is their genuine hospitality.
Today, Cyprus, a modernised country and harmonised in the European family, constitutes through its historical and ancient heritage, a living evidence of the routes of the European culture. Its people have succeeded to combine its proud ancient history and cultural heritage with an ultra-modern infrastructure and a cosmopolitan lifestyle.
The life in Cyprus, comprises rich activities in all aspects of its cultural life, such as, in literature and poetry; folk arts, artistic photography; theatre and cinema; music and dancing; sports and others.
Kypria, the International Festival, is a characteristic example of the cultural development in Cyprus. The festival is organised every year during the months of September-October and famous groups and artists of international prestige from Cyprus, Greece and other countries participate in opera, theatrical, musical, dance, cinema and folk arts performances.
The Ministry of Education and Culture is responsible, through its Cultural Services, for formulating and implementing the cultural policy of the Government.
The State encourages and supports the advancement of modern cultural and sports facilities for internal cultivation, mental and physical development, as well as for entertainment and exercising purposes. This policy is also expressed through the continuous financial funding that the Government provides to the various organisations, clubs and cultural associations for their progress, as well as for further development and exploitation of the athletes/artists and specially of the young people.
Volunteerism has always been a vital part of our culture and society.
Cyprus Tourism