Thousands attend Let’s Go Troodos 3 at presidential residence

Troodos, Cyprus. Thousands of visitors attended the Let’s Go Troodos 3 event on Sunday at the presidential residence of Troodos, which opened to the public for the third consecutive year. The event highlighted local products, flavours, crafts and traditions from mountainous Cyprus.

Historic residence opens to visitors

Visitors toured the Troodos presidential residence, a building of historical and symbolic significance.

The residence was built between 1879 and 1880 by Cyprus’ first High Commissioner, Sir Garnet Wolseley, and was originally intended as the summer headquarters of the British High Commissioner.

It later developed into an administrative centre, with much of the government machinery moving to Troodos during the summer months to avoid high temperatures.

Workshops and traditional entertainment

The programme included experiential workshops introducing visitors to traditional Cypriot arts, techniques and flavours.

Activities included workshops on palouze, weaving and loom work, traditional cooking, silk, mosaic making, perfume making and traditional music.

Live music and tsiattista performances by folk poets were also held, creating a setting centred on Cypriot feasting, culture and traditions.

Support for countryside and local crafts

First Lady Philippa Karsera Christodoulides said the “Pame Troodos” initiative began with a vision to open Cyprus’ emblematic buildings to the public for entertainment, education, culture and the development of environmental awareness.

She said the event reflected the Christodoulidis government’s intention to upgrade rural areas and increase visitors to Cypriot villages and festivals.

Deputy Tourism Minister Costas Koumis said the initiative aimed to make traditional Cypriot flavours better known, introduce them to younger generations and provide Cypriot craftspeople with opportunities to promote their products to the public.