Larnaca raises the stakes in European Capital of Culture bid

‘Larnaca 2030’ is spearheading a cultural festival as part of the organisation’s bid to become the European Capital of Culture in 2030.

The festival named ‘Mantomachalart’ will take place on October 11 and 12 in the neighbourhood of Ayios Ioannis.

“The initiative aims to promote neighbourhoods on the fringes of Larnaca’s artistic scene,” the organisation said.

“The programme seeks to promote co-creation and cultural democracy [in town], viewing art as a public good accessible to all.”

The festival will be curated by artist Antonis Giarridis, who grew up and works around Ayios Ioannis and aims to highlight the historical significance of the area.

“The event serves as a meeting point for people and culture, reminiscent of the old neighbourhood gatherings,” Larnaca 2030 added.

“Personalities and memories from many years ago will resurface through a new lens, serving as a catalyst for visual and cultural events. The festival’s goal is to showcase the historical neighbourhood of Ayios Ioannis and its hidden beauty, which is closely linked to the presence of its residents and visitors, particularly young people.”

The festival will feature a diverse range of activities, including visual art exhibitions, open studios, graffiti, varied music selections, street parties, guided walks, theatre performances, communal dining and street food.

An exhibition of old photographs and videos with narratives from local residents will also be held, encouraging the involvement of the neighbourhood’s inhabitants.

Artists participating in the festival include Ioanna Kasiski, Panagiotis Doukanaris, Evdokia Georgiou, as well as the curator Giarridis.

The festival will also showcase two sculptures by Kostas Argyrou, an exhibition titled “Red: the Sacred and the Unholy”, curated by Theocharis Karagiannis, and an exhibit of old photographs from the area’s residents. The artist Twenty-three will create a graffiti piece titled “Alasia Serene” during the event.

The full festival programme is available on the Larnaka 2030 Facebook page.