Apart from being one of the most prestigious hotels in Cyprus, the Golden Bay in Larnaca aspires to preserve our customs, folklore and traditions. Every summer, the management team of the Golden Bay organise a special Cyprus Night featuring traditional folk dances, the making of baskets, flutes and, of course trahanas, halloumi cheese and loukoumades . Naturally, the Executive Chef prepared a wide variety of traditional Cyprus dishes and desserts which we enjoyed under the stars by the beach.
This fabulous night ended with folk dances from Greece and Cyprus.
Ο Χορός της Στάμνας - The Dance of the Clay Jug
Syrtaki (Zorba the Greek)
Excellent post! Loved all the photos and the videos so much!
Posted by: Jeff | August 25, 2012 at 08:27 PM
Those baskets are gorgeous!
Posted by: Laura | August 25, 2012 at 08:36 PM
I still remember my mother and my aunt making our daily halloumi at home. It's so nice to see that the Golden Bay shares and preserves our culture and traditions. As for the dances, they are truly amazing!
Posted by: Lakis Ioannou | August 25, 2012 at 08:57 PM
I keep saying this... One day I will experience your country! I can't wait.
Posted by: Faith Barndt | August 25, 2012 at 09:07 PM
This looks like a great summer party!! Thanks for sharing the photos - they're brilliant. It's been ages I haven't tasted the real homemade halloumi. So much better than the one you get at the supermarket.
Posted by: Sophia | August 26, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Folk dancing in Crete is acknowledged everywhere as something special as in contrast to elsewhere around the globe, it is not just staged for the sake of the tourist but it is a part of the festive side of life. It is not unusual to find that these festivities carry on into the early hours of the morning.
The Cretan dances are bound by traditions. it is no coincidence who is to start and who is to end the chain. At weddings, there is a fixed order for who is to dance and when. Very often a whole family or parties will "pay" for a dance, and it is considered impolite to participate unless you are invited, however later at night everybody is normally welcome to take part. Is it the same in Cyprus?
Posted by: Constantinos T | August 26, 2012 at 02:00 PM
Wow! What a fun night!
Posted by: Mark Hammot | August 26, 2012 at 11:03 PM
I believe folklore and tradition should be preserved in every single country of the world. It's even more important to find real ways to share it with others. The Cyprus night at the Golden Bay is an excellent example. I could watch those videos over and over again. Anastasia, thank you for yet another great post.
Posted by: Alexia M | August 27, 2012 at 08:12 PM
Buonasera Anastasia. How wonderfull pics and videos!!! The dance of the clay jug is so expressive and of course I like Zorba the greek!!! I understand halloumi is a kind of cheese. Can I find it in Italy?
Posted by: Lisa A | August 27, 2012 at 08:46 PM
I think you can find it in big supermarkets.
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Posted by: Anastasia | August 28, 2012 at 10:20 AM
OMG!!! I love the photos and the videos so much!!!! This must have been a very special night and I'm glad you enjoyed yourself.
Posted by: Karolina | August 31, 2012 at 08:10 PM