At long last, a favourite of holiday visitors and local residents, one of our Cyprus Top Ten list, is returning to the heart of the village. Organised by O’Vrakas and Symposio restaurants in Pissouri Square, the much-missed evening of dinner accompanied by a family-friendly show of traditional music and dancing, plus spectacular glass-balancing feats is back for the peak 2022 season.
With new faces at Pissouri Council, there have been a multitude of impressive changes in 2017…
Yes, Cyprus Night is Back!
Chief among these is the long-awaited return of the fantastic community Cyprus Night to the village square on 28 July after an absence of 6 years.
While Kritos and Haris have done an excellent job of keeping indoor versions of the event going in their restaurants, when it takes over the whole square, having so many more visitors and locals involved gives a very different vibe. We are optimistic that the new dynamic village council will find a way to overcome administrative difficulties over the licence next season to enable it to return for longer. It used to run from May to October – which would be just perfect.
What is it?
Attracting residents and visitors from far and wide, it’s a lively and friendly community celebration including energetic traditional dancing in national costume, accompanied by the bouzouki. An English commentary explains the dances, with the evening’s highlight being a spectacular glass-balancing display.
To be at the heart of the action, book a table at Platea or O’Vrakas in Pissouri Square for their Friday meze. If you are more of a people-watcher, then dine at one of the other myriad of eateries around the village and follow the music to the square afterwards.
Pissouri in Bloom Competition
The Bunch of Grapes
We’ve always loved their shady courtyard garden (and of course their delicious fare)!
Another great new idea for encouraging local businesses to make their contribution to the village scene. And congratulations to the deserving winner… The Bunch of Grapes.
Seafront Enhancements
If you’ve only ever seen Pissouri Bay in summer, you may be surprised to learn that during winter storms the sea comes right up the beach. And the power of the waves is immense… they are strong enough to carry away the beach umbrella poles (which, by the way, are substantial structures made from scaffold poles embedded in concrete). So most years the beach changing rooms, concrete path and boat ramp take a battering and need some sort of repair.
In addition to these annual works, this year Pissouri Council have opted to plant new palm trees along the seafront near Agamemnon Beach Café. A good idea for not only improving the view, but adding some natural shade.
Marina aka Fishing Shelter?
Once again there’s speculation about a marina in the bay… this time at the Monte Beach end, rather than Black Rock as proposed previously. Whether this is pure fantasy, or realistic prospect remains to be seen. There’s certainly more ready-made infrastructure at the Columbia Resort end of the beach, and we’re relieved not to be having an access road through Vineland.
Pissouri Amphitheatre
This magnificent millennium project has been opened up to a wider range of entertainments in addition to the popular and excellent tribute band evenings and displays of traditional dance.
This year it was the venue for a Boxing Night and a Greek Drama production.
Behind The Scenes
Less exciting, but nonetheless welcome are works such as new safety rails and drains on Apostolou Andrea and resurfacing on twisty Kiladon Street between the bay and village.
And we look forward to the water supply improvements which we hear are ‘in the pipeline‘!
Since opening last month, the restaurant has already collected twenty-five 5★ reviews and heaps of praise for the food, service and ambience. The building looks great too… Looking forward to an early visit!
Where: 28 October Street, Pissouri (formerly Olympus Palace)
