THE DERYNEIA STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL 2025- Cyprus Traveller Guide

THE VILLAGE OF DERYNEIA
ONCE AGAIN WELCOMES FESTIVAL GOERS

SIX DECADES OF PRODUCTION

The association of strawberries and the Village of Deryneia goes back decades. Strawberry plantations in the immediate area surrounding the village today still hold the leading position in strawberry cultivation on the island. This is despite the tragic events of the Turkish invasion in 1974. This resulted in the loss of 70% of the Republic of Cyprus’s strawberry growing area all around the village.

A CELEBRATION & ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The whole area maintains a rich tradition of strawberry cultivation and production that remains at the forefront of the industry today. The fertile soil and unique microclimate surrounding the village make for an ideal environment for growing the fruit. This, in turn, produces the best strawberries in terms of quality and quantity. The Pancyprian Strawberry Festival is a celebration that acknowledges the dedication and hard work that goes into the area’s strawberry production. The celebration also acknowledges the fruit of choice for many of the local farmers and elevates the strawberry community, culture, and tradition that the island as a whole enjoys. The whole event makes for a lovely day trip for the whole family, and it has become a beloved tradition that brings joy and happiness to all who attend.

LATE SPRING OR EARLY SUMMER

Every spring, the village of Deryneia comes alive with vibrant colours and the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries. The festival that ususally takes place in late spring or early summer, highlights the simple pleasures that are offered by this humble fruit. The festival creates a joyful atmosphere for all who attend. It brings together people from all walks of life and renews their appreciation of the efforts of the local farmers who make it all possible. The festival, which first took place in 1999, occurs after the main strawberry harvest. It sees local farmers set up stalls offering fresh strawberries, as well as several strawberry based products that include strawberry based alcohol.

JUNE 6TH 2025

The Pancyprian Strawberry Festival is taking place on Friday June 6th 2025. The highly anticipated evening festival is once again organised by the Municipality of Deryneia in co-operation with the areas strawberry farmers. The festival aims to highlight the innovative strawberry farming practices and promotes its starwberry based products. This year’s festival will once again begin in the early evening and like in previous years, will be held within the grounds of the local football stadium. A purpose built stage will host a number of live performances and a firework show will bring the evening to an end. The event once again is expecting thousands of visitors, who will be looking to indulge in all things strawberry.

A HIGHLY ANTICIPATED EVENT

Visitors are able to tour the various stalls serving up delicious strawberry-based goods. This, along with live music and several dance performances, makes for a fun day out for the whole family. As well as fresh, ripe strawberries, the festival also offers a wide variety of strawberry-based products. These include a delightful array of fresh products that come in the form of juices, jams, preserves, alcohol, ice cream and several different strawberry-based desserts.

SEVERAL STRAWBERRY BASED PRODUCTS TO TRY

Local farmers and small family enterprises also use the festival to highlight the diverse selection of their locally crafted goods. Each of these is infused with a genuine dedication and love for strawberries. Homemade strawberry desserts take centre stage along with a variety of homemade strawberry-based jams. Various strawberry smoothies, as well as ice cream, are also available throughout the evening. There is also a good selection of alcoholic strawberry-based liquors, and even strawberry-based cosmetics, soaps, and toothpaste.

THE STRAWBERRY DESSERT COMPETITION

Onother highlight of the festival is the strawberry dessert competition. Amatuer bakers take part in a competition to create the best strawberry dessert. The event features several unique versions of strawberry tarts, cakes, parfaits and cheesecakes. This helps to further highlight the versatility of the fruit and the creativity of the competition’s participants. Visitors have the opportunity to sample the desserts and vote for their favourite. The winner then receives a prize and the prestige for the rest of the year.

A PROGRAM OF LIVE MUSIC & DANCING

In addition to the food and beverages, the festival also features a whole program of entertainment. This comes in the form of modern and traditional live music and dancing for all ages to enjoy. Local musicians and performers take the stage, creating a lively atmosphere that adds to the overall festival experience. There are also several children’s games and activities. These include all of the usual light-hearted games and face painting. All of this makes this a fun and family-friendly event. The program of entertainment is then brought to a close with an impressive fireworks display in the late evening.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE

The aim of the festival is not only to celebrate, but also to promote and educate visitors with the innovative processes of cultivation and distribution of the fruit and its by-products. As well as an artistic program of cultural events, the festival also serves as a platform for education. The importance of natural, sustainable agriculture and how supporting local farmers contributes to the well-being of the environment is also featured. A program of seminars and workshops, featuring several aspects of strawberry cultivation, is held throughout the evening. This allows visitors to actively participate and learn about natural, sustainable farming methods.

SEVERAL EXPERTS ON HAND

Agricultural experts, as well as local farmers, hold talks and then demonstrate their cultivation techniques. They use both new and old farming methods and practices that show the hard work and dedication that goes into growing the fruit on a large scale. Visitors are also able to learn about the benefits of buying locally grown produce. This helps to support the local producers and helps promote a more direct, sustainable and environmentally friendly food system.