Europe Day celebrated in Lefkoşa with a large-scale festival and cultural program

A festive event dedicated to Europe Day took place at Selimiye Square in Lefkoşa. This year, the celebrations marked the 20th anniversary of the European Union Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community and the "20 Years by Your Side" campaign, highlighting the EU's cooperation with Turkish Cypriots.

The event was organized by the EU Infopoint. The festive program attracted a large number of residents and visitors to the capital, offering musical performances, dance shows, and family activities.

The celebration opened with performances by the HASDER children's folklore group. Participants were then shown a video message from European Commission Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, responsible for cohesion, reforms, and support for the Cyprus settlement.

Welcoming speeches were also delivered by organizational representatives and public figures Giulia Bertezzolo, Selçuk Yürükoğulları, and the Mayor of Lefkoşa, Mehmet Harmancı. During the event, winners of a street basketball tournament, organized for the anniversary of the European support program, were awarded.

The musical part of the evening continued with the Lena Melanidou Bi-communal Choir for Peace and artists from the Nicosia Academy. Simultaneously, workshops for children and adults were held on the square—guests could try face painting, origami, painting, and making jewelry and crafts from recycled materials.

In addition, visitors learned about projects funded by the European Union, while stalls from EU member states presented elements of their culture and traditions. The organizers noted that the festival became a symbol of cooperation, cultural exchange, and support between the EU and the Turkish Cypriot community.