Aspects of Cyprus’ history and culture were showcased in Brussels, as part of the celebration of Europe Day on Saturday, 9 May 2026. The Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union was at the center of the celebrations held at the Justus Lipsius building of the Council of the EU in Brussels, with the support of the Press and Information Office (PIO) and the Cyprus Handicraft Service.
The presiding country, Cyprus, presented folk songs performed by a Cypriot music group to citizens from all countries who flooded the ‘House of the Member States.’ A Lefkara lace embroiderer was also present, showcasing the craft that inspired the logo of the Cyprus Presidency. Throughout the day, thousands of people of all nationalities and ages living in Brussels visited the Council premises.
The Europe Day event was also attended by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, who began his tour of the stands of all 27 member states from that of the presiding country, Cyprus. The President was welcomed and given a tour by Cyprus’ Deputy Permanent Representative to the EU, George Ioannides. President Costa showed particular interest in the ‘Myths of Cyprus’ exhibition, its history and culture, the Cypriot embroidery that inspired the ‘soulful’ logo of the Cyprus Presidency, and the solidarity shown by Cyprus as the presiding country toward Ukraine through the distribution of informational material at its stand.
A major feature of the Cyprus stand was the ‘Myths of Cyprus,’ which brought iconic figures of Cypriot myths to life in the heart of Europe, such as Digenis, Rigaina, and Sierolotta. Through rich printed material and the use of virtual reality (VR), visitors had the opportunity to discover the heroes of Cypriot mythology, revived through the short film series ‘The Myths of Cyprus,’ produced by the Press and Information Office.
Cyprus’ musical tradition echoed throughout the Council building with traditional songs including ‘Agapisa Tin Pou Karkias,’ ‘T’ Ammathkia Ta Yiallourika,’ ‘Foni Avkoritissa,’ ‘To Yiasemin,’ and ‘Eipa Sou Htenistou Llion,’ performed by folk singer Nikoletta Demetriou and musicians Kyriakos Markoullis on lute and Christina Polykarpou on lyra.
Visitors at the Cyprus stand were especially drawn to Lefkara lace embroiderer Natali Kyrmizi, who gave a live demonstration of the craft that inspired the logo of the Cyprus Presidency. Lefkara embroideries were exhibited alongside presentations on the history of the logo.
The stand also showcased Cyprus’ natural beauty and tourism product through various short films, while visitors were given a taste of the island’s culinary delights by sampling traditional pasteli made with carob syrup.