Koilani village celebrates 40th annual Afamia grape festival

The mountain village of Koilani in the Limassol district recently held its annual 'Afamia' festival, marking the conclusion of the grape harvest season. Representing President Nikos Christodoulides, Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Chatzimanoli attended the event, which has served as a cultural cornerstone for over 40 years by celebrating the community's viticultural heritage and traditions.

The festival, which showcases local customs such as traditional wine and palouzes (grape jelly) production, serves to bridge ancestral knowledge with modern agricultural practices. Koilani is recognized as one of the primary winemaking villages in Cyprus, featuring both traditional methods and specialized venues like the 'Grape Museum' to preserve the region's historical connection to the vine.

Government officials emphasized that rural areas and their inhabitants are fundamental pillars of the intangible cultural heritage of Cyprus. The event continues to function as an educational platform for visitors and younger generations to learn about the significance of the harvest and the village's long-standing contribution to the Cypriot wine industry.