**What Can a Village Tell Us About Cyprus’ Past? The 12th Xarkis Festival Explores Cultural Heritage**
Kalavasos, Cyprus – The 12th edition of the Xarkis Festival is set to take place from September 11 to 13, transforming the village of Kalavasos into a vibrant hub for cultural exchange and artistic expression. This year’s festival theme, “What can a village tell us about the past of Cyprus, and what might the new stories created there change?” invites participants to reflect on the rich history of the region and its contemporary implications.
The Xarkis Festival has a longstanding relationship with Kalavasos, dating back to 2016 when it collaborated with the village for the Tenta Cultural Festival. This year marks a decade since that initial partnership, and the festival aims to engage both local residents and visitors from around the world in a dialogue about memory, cultural heritage, and the narratives that shape our understanding of place.
“A village shaped by ancient settlements, mining, archaeological research, local techniques, and productive practices becomes a space for contemporary art, knowledge exchange, and collective creation,” the festival organizers state. This year, the program will delve into themes of colonial heritage and its ongoing influence on contemporary culture, prompting participants to consider which histories are remembered, which are overlooked, and how new interpretations of the past can emerge.
Over 25 artists from diverse countries—including Chile, Ghana, Tunisia, Rwanda, Hungary, Sweden, Italy, Spain, Portugal, the Netherlands, England, and Cyprus—will participate in a 14-day residency in Kalavasos. These artists will collaborate with the local community, fostering opportunities for dialogue and creative expression. Their work will incorporate archaeological fragments, photographs, and videos from local sites, as well as narratives shared by the village’s residents.
The festival will feature a variety of activities, including audiovisual performances, presentations, exhibitions, workshops, and installations that reflect the collective participation of both artists and the public. Local artists will also play a significant role in the festival, contributing their unique perspectives and practices. Notable participants include Gaia Olea, who specializes in natural handmade botanical skincare; Helen Chrysanthou, known for her work with psatharouda; and Simoni Christoforou, who explores innovative uses for silkworm cocoons in jewelry design.
In addition to artistic endeavors, Xarkis will collaborate with archaeologists Alison South and Thea Christoforou, as well as anthropologist Sheena Crawford, to conduct walks and discussions centered on Tenta, the old mine, and the experiences of former miners. These activities aim to deepen the understanding of the village’s historical context and its impact on current cultural narratives.
The festival will also include a film screening that explores the lives and everyday experiences of women during the 1980s, further enriching the dialogue around memory and identity. With free admission, the festival is designed to be accessible to all, offering a range of workshops, performances, installations, storytelling circles, dances, music, and more.
The Xarkis Festival not only celebrates the artistic talents of its participants but also emphasizes the importance of community engagement and the sharing of stories. By bringing together artists and residents, the festival seeks to create new narratives that honor the past while inspiring future generations.
As the event approaches, anticipation builds for a weekend filled with creativity, collaboration, and cultural exploration. The Xarkis Festival promises to be a significant occasion for both the village of Kalavasos and its visitors, highlighting the enduring connection between place, memory, and artistic expression.
For more information about the festival and its schedule, visit [www.xarkis.org](http://www.xarkis.org).