Pafos, the city on the southwest of Cyprus, which was the European Capital of Culture for 2017, has passed on the baton to the cities of Valetta (Malta) and Leeuwarden ( Netherlands) during an event held on Friday evening.

The event took place at the Markideio Theater in Pafos, in the presence of the Minister of Education and Culture Costas Kadis, the President of Pafos 2017 Christos Patsalidis and many more guests.

In his speech at the event, read out by the Minister of Culture, President of Cyprus Nicos Anastasiades said that Pafos presented a great program based on its history and its rich cultural heritage. He said that everyone who worked for Pafos 2017 Culture Capital of Europe demonstrated passion and enthusiasm and implemented a high quality program that was praised by the European Union itself.

Mayor of Pafos Phedon Phedonos and Christos Patsalides also delivered speeches, expressing their satisfaction and saying that 2017 was a historic year for the city.

Cyprus Philarmonic Orchestra perfomed Beethoven`s 9th Symphony with soloists Annemarie Kremer, Dina Strani, Nico Darmanin and famous Cypriot barιtone  Kyros Patsalides.

Throughout the whole year numerous events took place in Pafos, including theater and music performances, painting exhibitions, installations etc.