Tonight there was a grand opening ceremony marking the European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017 in the Town Hall square in centre of Paphos.

The opening ceremony showcased the history, the multiculturalism and the modern culture of Pafos as an integral part of wider European culture. The ceremony was designed and produced by a Creative Team of Cypriot artists and intellectuals, working with Walk the Plank.

Photo courtesy of http://www.pafospress.com

Inspired by the myth of Pafos, it has at its heart the founding myth of Pygmalion, the Artist and his creation, Galatea.

The celebratory performance attempted to portray the core concepts of the Open Air Factory, such as creativity, originality, artistic excellence, and also multiculturalism, diversity, as well as the hope for a unified country in the future.

Young people, children and volunteers from all over Cyprus joined professional performers from all over the island. Both Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot musicians and singers sang in unison with a Danish choir and a Jazz Orchestra from Aarhus, the partner Capital of Culture. As Pygmalion invoked the spirit of Aphrodite to breathe life into the statue he had carved, light and fire illuminated the sky above Paphos’s newly restored city centre.

Original compositions, as well as adaptations of music, choreographies and projections were brought to life by actors, dancers and hundreds of children who illuminated the moment of Pafos’ birth and marked the opening of the European Capital of Culture – Pafos2017.

For more information on events planned for the rest of 2017 see pafos2017.eu

• Or for more information call +357 2693 2017, info@pafos2017.eu