Traditional culture and gastronomy can play a decisive role in strengthening local economies and sustaining rural communities, according to Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis. Speaking at the second Resi Festival in Pano Kivides, she said that promoting Cyprus’s cultural heritage is a key priority for the government of Nikos Christodoulides.

The festival, dedicated to the traditional Cypriot dish resi, served as a reminder of how rural traditions remain deeply connected to the social life and identity of local communities.

Tradition as a living social bond

According to Deputy Minister of Shipping Marina Hadjimanolis, communities in the Cypriot countryside have the potential to take the lead in showcasing their identity and creating meaningful institutions with long-term prospects.

Resi, she noted, is not simply a recipe passed down through generations. It is a communal process that brings people together, strengthening social bonds while preserving traditions that remain relevant across time.

“These traditions are not only about food. They are about people gathering, sharing experiences and maintaining values that connect communities,” she said.

Events such as the Resi Festival also highlight the richness of rural Cyprus, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the island’s culture both literally and symbolically through its cuisine, customs and hospitality.

Culture supporting rural economies

Hadjimanolis stressed that supporting rural communities and promoting cultural heritage is not merely a cultural initiative but an economic and social strategy.

“For the government of Nikos Christodoulides, supporting rural areas and promoting our cultural heritage is an important political priority,” she said. “It strengthens local economies and contributes meaningfully to the sustainable development of our communities.”

The promotion of Cypriot gastronomy and local products, she added, is becoming an important pillar of the country’s tourism identity. By highlighting traditional foods and local craftsmanship, communities can create new opportunities for development while enriching the diversity of the tourism sector.

Development beyond urban centres

The Deputy Minister emphasised that development does not take place only in cities but also within villages, where agriculture, tradition and community life continue to shape local identity.

“We will continue to work consistently so that such initiatives receive real support and gain even greater momentum in the future,” she said.

She also praised the organisers and volunteers behind the festival, noting that community cooperation and dedication are essential for preserving cultural traditions.

“When a community believes in itself, it can create, evolve and stand out,” she said. “The strength of this place ultimately lies in its traditions and its people.”

The Resi Festival, she concluded, demonstrates how local culture can become both a celebration of heritage and a foundation for sustainable growth in rural Cyprus.

Marina Hadjimanolis #

Cultural Heritage Seen as Driver of Sustainable Community Growth