Ever since CyWineFest 2019 was announced we have been inundated with interest, especially on social media it is ever encouraging to the see the value in CyWineFest in bringing the community together crossing geographical boundaries.
CyWineFest is embedded in almost every British Cypriots conscious, even prior to the announcement people were getting in touch to find out more about the event especially from the ‘new wave’ of Cypriot and Greek nationals living in the UK, whom are impressed with the connection that British Cypriots have to their culture. Even more encouraging is that Cypriots are hearing more and more about this event that is happening 2,000 miles away, the entertainment industry in Greece too is becoming ever familiar with CyWineFest having brought over so many talented performers to perform centre stage.
CyWineFest provides a connection with all the Cypriot diaspora across the world, these communities also have an active calendar putting on many events to promote Cypriot culture, one that deserves a special mention is the Cyprus Festival organised by the Cypriot community of Melbourne and Victoria, Australia that attracts thousands annually. These events create a connection with one’s culture and acts a bridge between countries.
NEPOMAK plays an essential role in ‘Connecting Young Cypriots Wine Worldwide’, divided into branches it represents the communities of Australia & New Zealand, Canada, Greece, rest of Europe, South Africa and rest of Africa, USA and of course the UK, where the largest Cypriot population outside of Cyprus resides, it is no coincidence then that CyWineFest is the largest Cypriot event outside of the country itself. The amazing thing is that all these organisations create a Cypriot presence in their respective countries otherwise, frankly speaking, most of these countries wouldn’t have even heard of Cyprus, something I have a personal experience with. It is important to engage with the nationals of any country to gain a true experience of the country one is visiting, to strike up a conversation with a native. Whilst vising the USA, there were many instances whereby discussions about culture took place and obviously it was the perfect time to introduce Cypriot culture to the equation, however conversations were always halted by the other parties’ knowledge of geography, or rather lack of it, in which more than half the conversation was describing where Cyprus is located. It is understandable that many visitors will simply state that they are Greek being that it is more than likely that people have heard of Greece but apply patience and try to educate people on Cyprus however painstaking it is to establish that a country by the name of Cyprus exists on the planet.
Cyprus is a small island nation, with one of the grandest histories, many empires have colonised the island over the millennia but if one dives a little deeper beneath the surface, they’ll find a consistently independent spirit that remains to this day, that there have always been many communities co-existing on the island and now more than ever the people of Cyprus and the worldwide diaspora must embrace and celebrate their Cypriot identity and introduce the rest of the world to their rich and diverse culture.
The Cypriot Wine Festival & Business Expo provides a platform for all Cypriots to congregate and share stories, histories and see friends and family, this togetherness creates a strong community and one that others may look upon with admiration encouraging their non-Cypriot friends to be engaging. London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world and it is fitting that it plays host to grandest Cypriot community event.
CyWineFest plays host to this massive community together, bringing people closer, allowed them to engage with various ethnicities from all over the world, where you can taste free unlimited Cypriot wine, eat delicious food and go on a shopping trip around the many stands, getting to know local businesses, products and services available in your area. No matter how quickly an internet order can be delivered to your door it cannot replace selecting your product based on your senses, touch, feel, taste and learning about a product first hand from a vendor, all the while being in a fun and friendly environment filled with music, food, family activities and sports. It is a wholesome event that gives an insight into our unique British Cypriot culture,
Credit: CyWineFest team
Photo credit:
(1) Sidebar photo -Hellenic TV crew enjoying the show-at CyWineFest 2018 – Alexios Gennaris
(2) The staff of Hellenic Gourmet – Alexios Gennaris
(3) Smiles all around from these festival goers – Alexios Gennaris
(4) Bkos Its Party Time – Alexios Gennaris
(5) Peace! Community faces of happy festival goers – Alexios Gennaris
