MY DAY OUT AT THE FIRST-EVER PAFOS INTERNATIONAL STREET FESTIVAL
By Irene Charalambous
PAPHOS ANNUAL FESTIVALS
As anticipation for the first-ever Paphos International Street Festival grew, I decided that I just had to visit and witness the event for myself. Cyprus is synonomous for its annual festivals and this event, which is to celebrate culture, art, and community during the final week in August, is to be no different. Organisers are offering a star-studded line up of internationally renowned street performers from all over the world. I visited on the first day of the event, as I wanted to experience the grand parade, which was going to feature all of these performers. I took the intercity bus straight into Paphos and then followed the crowds on foot the rest of the way.
FOLLOWING THE CROWDS
As I approached the festival grounds, the sound of music, laughter, and the enticing aromas of various cuisines wafting through the air become more and more apparent as I drew closer. The opening procession began at Mpania at 6pm and featured all of the street performers in their colourful and elaborate costumes. The diversity of the festival was evident, reflecting the rich tapestry of cultures that co-exist globally. It was obvious immediately that the parade celebrated this diversity, with each troupe representing a different culture. The crowd that lined the route followed the procession through the street, all the way up to the festival grounds around the Paphos Castle. As I turned the last corner, a myriad of yet more bright colours and happy faces greeted me.Â
STALLS, BOOTHS & WORKSHOPS
The end of the procession marked the beginning of traditional dances and live music that the crowds found equally entertaining. I was immediately drawn to the numerous stalls, booths and workshops that featured local artisans selling their crafts. These included handmade jewellery to intricate pottery. The face painting and the bouncy castle seemed to be a popular draw for the children and the endless array of food stalls was also a welcoming site. As a food enthusiast, I was eager to sample the various international cuisines on offer. The choice of food was incredible and included savoury Greek souvlaki to spicy Indian curry. Each dish was a testament to the culinary heritage of its respective culture and the immediate area buzzed with excitement as people shared their meals along with light conversation. I particularly enjoyed the Cypriot delicacies, such as halloumi cheese and sumptuous Sheftalia that were cooked to perfection and served with fresh pita bread and yoghurt.
AMAZING STREET PERFORMANCES
The festival featured a line-up of some amazing street performances that easily captivated the audience. The international acts featured their talents and every single performances stood out. There were acrobatics, comedy, magic and some mesmerising dance troupes, all telling a story of cultural fusion through movement and energy. All of the performances were infectious and it was impossible not to be drawn into some of these amazing acts. As the sun began to set, the street performances continued into the evening and the festival transformed into a magical evening of grand spectacle. Colourful lights illuminated the pathways, and the sounds of laughter and music constantly filled the air. Each act seemed to highligh cultural exchange, reminding me that we are all part of a larger global community.
AN ENRICHED EXPERIENCE
Upon leaving the festival, I felt happy and enriched as I made my way back to the bus stop. My heart was full of joy and I had a a renewed appreciation for the beauty of diversity that I had experienced that day. The festival had also reinforced in me the importance of unity and collaboration in our increasingly interconnected world. I contemplated this as I relaxed on the bus journey home, realising that this vibrant celebration of culture, art, and community, which featured the talents and traditions of people from all around the world, had left a lasting impression on me. The myriad of smiling faces confirmed that this festival had brought together people from various backgrounds, fostering connections and understanding through shared experiences. I eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to celebrate this festival again. I can’t wait to return next year!
WHAT'S IN A STREET PERFORMANCE?
Ancient Origins
• Ancient Civilizations: Street performances can be traced back to ancient cultures such as Greece and Rome, where performers known as ‘mimes’ acted in public spaces, often depicting mythology and scenes from everyday life. Festivals honouring pagan gods often included theatrical performances.
The Medieval Period
• Medieval Europe: During the Middle Ages, street performers were known as minstrels, and they travelled to entertain at fairs, markets, and religious festivals. They performed music, juggling, and told stories often sharing tales and news from far-off places. The ‘Easter Play’ and other pageants became central to religious festivals.
The Renaissance Period
• Early Renaissance: The Renaissance revived interest in the arts, leading to the resurgence of elaborate public festivals and street performances. These included the ‘Commedia dell’arte’ in Italy, which was characterized by improvisation and stock characters.
The 18th & 19th Century
• Fairground Entertainment: By the 18th and 19th centuries, street acts became more structured. These new travelling troupes featured tightrope walkers and fire-eaters and were the precursor to professional circus acts. Street performance culture contributed greatly to this new popular form of entertainment.
20th Century Developments
• Diverse Influences: The beginning of the 20th century saw the rise of various forms of street entertainment, from vaudeville to busking. Cities began to embrace street art, with performances often reflecting social or political themes. The mid-20th century saw street performances often becoming vehicles for social commentary, aligning with counterculture movements. Events like the ‘Woodstock Festival’ blurred the lines between organised events and spontaneous street gatherings. Modern festivals, such as the ‘Edinburgh Festival Fringe’, the ‘Notting Hill Carnival’, as well as various urban music and arts festivals such as ‘Mardi Gras’ in New Orleans, The Carnival in Brazil, have also become more widespread. Several street fairs in the most prominent cities around the world, celebrate local cultures and communities, attracting participants and audiences globally, fostering cultural exchange.
Street Performers Today
• Street Performers and Buskers: Today, street performers, or buskers, are a fixture in cities around the world, featuring various talents including music, dance, magic, and visual arts. Many cities have set regulations to manage street performances, balancing artistic expression with public safety.
• Digital Age: With the advent of social media, street acts and festivals now reach wider audiences, with performances often shared online, leading to new forms of engagement and promotion.
• Cultural Significance: Street acts and festivals continue to play a vital role in cultural expression, community building, and social commentary. They serve as platforms for artists, reflect the diversity of urban life, and contribute to the vibrancy of public spaces.
In summary, the history of street acts and festivals illustrates the evolving relationship between art, community, and public space, showcasing humanity’s enduring desire to gather, celebrate, and communicate through performance.
