The 7th Cypriot – Russian Festival to take place in June

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, at the Limassol City Hall, Russian Ambassador Vyacheslav Shumskiy said that the Festival began years ago as a single cultural event, which has gradually evolved through the years to a tradition for the coastal city of Limassol.

He emphasized the presence of President of the Republic Demetris Christofias at the opening of the Festival, saying that his presence demonstrates the importance of the close ties between the two countries.

Mayor of Limassol Andreas Christou said that the relations between Cyprus and particularly Limassol with Russia are so close that the city is fairly described as “the largest Russian city outside Russia” since, as he said, the city “has a multicultural character and the necessary infrastructure to accommodate and support international companies that have decided to do business in our city.''

Christou said that the recent cooperation agreement signed between the Municipality of Limassol and St. Petersburg as well as the cooperation agreement between the Cyprus University of Technology and four universities of the Russian city mark a new era in relations with Russia and the local authorities.

He wished, finally, every success to the Festival and invited the public to support it with their presence.

The Festival will include music performed by Russian traditional groups, a concert with the participation of over 400 children from all over Cyprus and 36 artists from Russia including the famous Russian singer Anita Tsoy. The official opening ceremony will take place in the presence of President Christofias.

This year's Festival is expected to be attended by more than 10.000 people.