Environmental groups raise concerns over Beerateia Beer Festival in Peyia

BirdLife Cyprus, Terra Cypria, and the Federation of Environmental Organisations of Cyprus have formally requested information from the environment department regarding the upcoming Beerateia Beer Festival. The event is scheduled to take place from July 17 to 19, 2026, at Ayios Georgios square in Peyia. The groups are questioning whether the municipality submitted an environmental impact assessment and if any official approval has been granted. The festival site is situated in close proximity to two Natura 2000 protected areas and the Akamas peninsula special area of conservation. Environmentalists argue that activities like loud music, bright lighting, and traffic congestion pose significant threats to protected species and their habitats. The organizations emphasize that an impact assessment is mandatory before the event occurs rather than after. They noted that a similar festival held at the same location last year lacked sufficient environmental oversight, leading to ongoing concerns regarding the department's compliance and regulatory procedures.