The 29th Cultural Festival of the University of Cyprus is currently taking place at Axiothea Mansion in old Nicosia, featuring a rich program of performances until July 14. Highlights include Stelios Petrakis' album launch centered on the lyra, showcasing Mediterranean and intercultural musical influences. Audiences can expect a journey through Crete, Asia Minor, southern Italy, and Valencia.

Upcoming events include a Traditional Dance Workshop on Sunday with performances from three folkloric dance associations and six Cypriot musicians, celebrating the musical and dance heritage of Cyprus, Pontus, Asia Minor, and Eastern Rumelia. The festival also features Dimitris Angelakis’ jazz-inspired vibraphone performance on July 7 and ENA Theatre’s Greek-language staging of The Talented Mr Ripley from July 10-12.

Closing the festival's first part is a rare presentation of Cypriot wedding music by Kemal Deveci and Aziz Kahraman, who perform traditional zurna and davul repertoires preserved from before 1974. The performances include insightful commentary from ethnomusicologist Dr Nicoletta Demetriou, highlighting Cyprus’s cultural heritage.