8th Traditional Handmade Pasta Festival Celebrated in the TRNC

The 8th Traditional Handmade Pasta Festival, organized by the Geçitkale–Serdarlı Municipality, took place in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), with President Ersin Tatar attending the opening ceremony.

In his speech, President Tatar expressed his pleasure at being part of the cultural celebration in Görneç. He congratulated the Mayor of Geçitkale–Serdarlı, the municipal council, and the municipality’s staff for organizing the event, and thanked everyone who contributed to its success.

President Tatar highlighted Görneç’s deep-rooted history and the cultural heritage of Turkish Cypriots. He noted that great effort had been made to preserve traditional crafts, cultural practices, cuisine, art, and music—reflected in the festival's many exhibits. He emphasized the importance of passing these traditions down to future generations.

TRNC Prime Minister Ünal Üstel also attended the festival and underlined Görneç’s historical resistance and the symbolic role handmade pasta played during challenging times.

“In 1974, the people of Görneç refused to leave their village despite all difficulties. They survived by relying on what they produced themselves. This festival helps keep that spirit of solidarity alive,” he said.