The Cyprus Festival, held on February 1–2 this year along the banks of the River Torrens, marked a decade of cultural celebration. What began in 2015 as a modest annual event has grown into a vibrant showcase of Cypriot heritage, strengthening the bonds between Greek and South Australian communities.
Organised by the Cyprus Community of South Australia Inc., the festival brought together people from diverse backgrounds to experience the rich traditions of Hellenic and Cypriot culture, highlighting South Australia’s vibrant heritage.
Reflecting on this 10-year milestone, Dr Andreas Evdokiou, President of the Cyprus Community of SA, remarked, “Today, as we celebrate this incredible milestone, let us also reflect on the resilience of our people. While Cyprus remains occupied and divided, 50 years on since those tragic events of 1974, our collective spirit and our determination remain unbroken. While this festival serves as a reminder of our rich heritage, our ongoing commitment to justice, freedom, and the reunification of our homeland remains the air that we breathe.”
Honouring the legacy of the diaspora
The festival was not only a celebration of heritage but also a moment to honour the resilience of the Cypriot diaspora in South Australia. The Premier of South Australia, The Hon. Peter Malinauskas MP, reflected on the courage of those who left their homeland during times of hardship.
“This community, which arrived in Australia following the unjust invasion of Cyprus, demonstrated remarkable resilience. The courage and heroism required of those men and women who chose to leave their homeland and start anew in a foreign country, in a completely different hemisphere, on the other side of the world, is extraordinary. Because of their choice and bravery, generations of South Australians have been the beneficiaries of that wisdom,” said Mr Malinauskas.
Dr Evdokiou also acknowledged the Hon. Mike Rann, former Premier of South Australia, for his ongoing support of the Cypriot cause. “He is a dear ally and friend, being a former patron of the Justice for Cyprus community group and a constant advocate for a just resolution to the Cyprus problem,” said Dr Evdokiou, presenting Mr. Rann with an award for his unwavering support and advocacy.
The power of cultural performance
The 2025 festival featured a spectacular line-up of performances, with over 150 dancers representing various community groups. Attendees enjoyed traditional Cypriot dances, including the ‘Tatsia’ and ‘Drepani,’ performed by the Cyprus Community of SA. Other groups, including the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia Dance Group, the Messinian Dance School of SA, the Greek Lyceum of SA Dance Group, and the Cretan Association of SA Dance Group, also performed traditional Hellenic folk dances.
These captivating performances immersed festivalgoers in the rhythms and stories of Cypriot and Greek traditions. Each dance, steeped in history, provided a glimpse into the community’s deep-rooted pride and heritage.
Following the cultural displays, the evenings were brought to life with electrifying performances. Renowned Cypriot musician Christos Shikkis took centre stage, captivating the audience with his masterful renditions of traditional Cypriot folk music, rich in passion and authenticity.
Complementing his performance was the voice of Stephanos Pelekanis, who mesmerised festivalgoers on both nights with his powerful interpretations of traditional and Byzantine melodies, offering a profound connection to the roots of this unique folk music.
The Kosmos Band then carried the momentum, blending traditional and modern Greek music to create an energetic atmosphere that had attendees dancing well into the night, bringing the festival to a spectacular close.
