Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Basket Making
One of the oldest handicrafts, basket making was traditionally learned by everyone in the
family. Today baskets are still usually made from reeds found growing next to streams,
though in the Akamas Peninsula villages like Kritou Terra are famous for their intricately
woven twig baskets. Palm leaves and straw are used for creating the distinctive brightly
coloured
tsestos
(decorative 'platters' with geometric designs). These are more prevalent
in Northern Cyprus, especially in the Karpasia and Mesaoria (Mesarya) regions. Be wary
of synthetic copies made from plastic, which are fortunately easy to spot.
Lacework
One of the most famous folk-art exports is the exquisite Lefkara lacework, from the same-
name village, located in the southern Troödos foothills. Be wary of cheap Chinese im-
ports. The village of Fyti in the Pafos region is also famous for its needlework, particu-
larly woven and embroidered silk and cotton, and is, to date, not on the coach-tour trail.
Also check out the Museum for the Preservation of Lace at Timiou Stavrou (Holy Cross)
Monastery in Omodos.
Top Music Festivals
Bellapais Music Festival
(
www.bellapaisfestival.com
), Bellapais, Northern Cyprus (May)
International Famagusta Art & Culture Festival
(
www.magusa.org
)
, Famagusta, Northern Cyprus (July)
Berengaria International Music Festival
(
www.festivalberengaria.com
) Lemesos, Republic of Cyprus (March)
Pafos Aphrodite Festival
(
www.pafc.com.cy
) Pafos, Republic of Cyprus (September)
