"The place was packed during the opening ceremony of the 18th Medieval Festival of Ayia Napa on the evening of Saturday, October 7th. The magnificent parade of bands and groups took place along Makarios Avenue, and the presentation of the bands and the grand concert "From Byzantium to Today" was held in the main square. The concert featured the renowned Greek artist Dimitris Basis, the Cypriot singer Liza Theofanous, and the music group "Orpheas" of the "Panikkos Hatzihambis" Foundation.

The inauguration was conducted by the Minister of Defense, Mr. Michalis Yorgallas, who in his greeting mentioned that the Medieval Festival of Ayia Napa is an internationally recognized and highly successful institution. For 18 years, it has been offering high-level artistic events which, beyond their entertainment value, contribute to the enrichment of knowledge and the cultural level of the visitor, simultaneously combining cultural exploration with socialization and the exchange of experiences in a unique atmosphere.

The State," added the Minister of Defense, "is obliged and will continue to encourage, support, and promote the showcasing of the rich cultural tradition, which, as the starting point for the journey of every nation, is passed down through the passage of time and is preserved as a legacy and safeguard in the consciousness of the people."

Here's the translation to English:

"The Mayor of Ayia Napa also referred to the projects that have been implemented to date and to those that will take place in the near future, to the reform of local self-government, and to the new Municipality of Ayia Napa that will be created by merging with the Municipality of Sotira and the communities of Liopetri, Avgorou, and Achna. He expressed his confidence that their collaboration and harmony, their common bonds and goals, and their shared vision for the Municipality will ensure that the expanded Municipality of Ayia Napa continues to be a leader in local developments, in areas related to tourism, agriculture, livestock farming, industries, and family businesses.

"To achieve all this," he noted, "we must stay away from any petty political expediencies and populisms. Instead, as now, assuming responsibilities should continue to be among our priorities, sidelining political and personal costs in order to create a leading municipality in the events of Cyprus. There is potential, as long as we love our place and strive for a better tomorrow for the younger generations."