Bulgaria is one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Cyprus – it was done on 30 October 1960. This year we mark 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our two countries. In the period elapsed, the Bulgarian – Cyprus co-operation develop and deepen in the name of peace and friendship. Just to mention a few facts: in 1974 Bulgaria granted hospitality and jobs to several thousand Cypriots who lost their relatives, houses, belongings; in the last fifty years many Cypriots graduated Bulgarian universities, today more than 800 students from Cyprus study in Bulgaria. After the accession of Bulgaria to the EU, the Republic of Cyprus opened unconditionally its labor market to the Bulgarian citizens and today several thousand of them enjoy the Cypriot hospitality.

In order to mark the 50-th anniversary of the Republic of Cyprus and 50 years diplomatic relations between our two countries, the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Nicosia is organizing and/or co-organizing a number of events:

1. On the 16 October in Larnaka, Scene of Finikoudes, at 17.30 h. will be held the 5-th “Festival of the Bulgarians living in Cyprus”. The Festival is under the auspices of Mrs. Elsi Christofias. A rich folklore program by special guests from Bulgaria will be performed. The Festival is an annual event organized by the weekly newspaper published in Bulgarian language and for the Bulgarians in Cyprus – “The Bulgarian Newspaper”. Further to the folk songs and dances you will have the pleasure to enjoy the typical Bulgarian cuisine as well as to acquaint yourself with the Bulgarian culture and traditions.

2. On November 15th in Nicosia, at 19.30 h., in the new exhibition hall of the Ministry of Education (Nicosia, 27 Ifigeniuos Str.) will be opened an „Exhibition of Photos of the Sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list in Bulgaria and Cyprus”. The Exhibition will expose a rich collection of sites both in Bulgaria and Cyprus which are under the UNESCO protection and are heritage to the history of mankind.

3. A Concert of classical music with a joint Photo – exhibition “Two homelands – one love” of the Bulgarian photographer Genoveva Georgieva and the Cypriot photographer Haralambos Astaniu will be held in Castilliotissa Hall of Nicosia on 24 November at 20.00 h. The event is under the high honorary patronage of Mrs. Elsi Christofias. The Program of the Concert includes pieces performed by famous Bulgarian musicians who live and work in Cyprus and by Cypriot musicians who have graduated in Bulgaria. The exhibition will give you a chance to enjoy photos made by two talented and famous photographers from Bulgaria and Cyprus. The name of the Exhibition speaks for itself. The exhibited works are inspired by the love of the two photographers towards their homelands.

We take this opportunity to kindly invite you to these events and rely on your presence. Please confirm by e-mailing on: [email protected]


October 2010
Nicosia