**Traditional Statue Installed Ahead of Limassol's 65th Wine Festival**
Limassol, Cyprus – A seven-metre statue of a winegrower was installed on Monday in Limassol’s municipal garden, marking the traditional preparation for the city’s 65th Wine Festival. This statue, depicting a man dressed in traditional Cypriot attire, features a waistcoat and the distinctive baggy trousers known as a vrakas. The figure holds a traditional wine jug in one hand and a bunch of grapes in the other, symbolizing the region's rich viticultural heritage.
The installation ceremony was accompanied by a performance from a local band, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion. Limassol's mayor, Yiannis Armeftis, attended the event and expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming festival. He noted that preparations for this year’s celebration are “in the final stage,” indicating a strong commitment to ensuring a successful event.
Mayor Armeftis extended an invitation to the public, encouraging residents and visitors from across Cyprus to attend the festival, which is set to begin on September 26 and run until October 4. He expressed optimism that this year’s festival would surpass the previous year’s festivities, promising attendees a chance to enjoy “special carefree moments.”
The Limassol Wine Festival is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the region's winemaking culture, offering a variety of local wines, traditional foods, and cultural performances. The installation of the statue serves as a reminder of the festival’s roots and the importance of wine production in Cypriot culture.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds among the community, with many looking forward to the celebrations that highlight Limassol's cultural and historical connection to winemaking.