The opening of a two-day China Culture Festival on Saturday has attracted thousands of locals and tourists to the Cypriot resort of Limassol.

The festival, the third of its kind, features performances by Chinese and local artists, including the famous Nanjing Little Red Flower Art Troupe, an internationally renowned martial art star and traditional Chinese costume show.

“We are very happy to be here, I came here with my three daughters and wife,” local resident Menelaos Demitriou told Xinhua. “It brings together our two peoples,” he added.

The event includes craft exhibitions, souvenir stands, and stalls showcasing and celebrating traditional culinary delights.

“Our city is proud to host, once again, such a prestigious event,” Limassol Mayor Nicos Nicolaides told the crowds at the opening, whilst extending a special welcome to a delegation from Nanjing, saying the festival was a tribute to the friendship between China and Cyprus.

There has been a sister-city relationship between Limassol and Nanjing since 1992, aimed at promoting cooperation in the sectors of commerce, culture, athletics, science, technology, and tourism.

“The third Chinese Culture Festival will give the opportunity of the people of Limassol to get to know and appreciate the Chinese culture,” Nicolaides said.

The mayor sent special greetings to the hundreds of Chinese citizens who now reside in Limassol.

“The festival is gaining an increasingly stronger role in promoting cooperation between Cyprus and China,” Nicolaides concluded.

Chinese Ambassador to Cyprus Huang Xingyuan, who also attended the festival, said he hopes that the event will contribute more to promoting cultural exchanges and friendship between the two countries.

The event is organized by the China International Investors Association, the Confucius Institute of the University of Cyprus and the Limassol Municipality. Enditem