Cyprus is often referred to as the island of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. This connection was established over many centuries. When the Achaean Greeks arrived in the 12th century BCE, the local population was worshipping a fertility goddess with oriental characteristics in certain temples; it seems that the Greeks ‘gradually Hellenised her’ over several centuries, according to archaeologist Jacqueline Karageorghis. The goddess was fully identified as Aphrodite by the 4th century BCE, and during the Hellenistic Period Pafos emerged as the principal place for worshipping her. You can visit the remains of the Temple of Aphrodite at Palaipafos, the site of the original settlement near Kouklia village (14 kilometres east of Pafos). Although the city was moved to what is now the Archaeological Site of Kato Pafos in the 3rd century BCE, the temple continued to draw pilgrims to honour the goddess well into the Roman era. Central to their veneration was a large conical stone, which is now on display in the museum at the temple site. Aphrodite came to be associated with sexuality as well as fertility and love. Through limited sources, historians conclude that the cultic worship included sacrifice, divination of the future, the burning of incense, and ritual bathing and prostitution. Emperor Theodosius banned pagan worship in the temples in 392 CE, but the connection between Cyprus and Aphrodite persists. Other related attractions include the nearby Petra tou Romiou (site of the goddess’s birth) and two in the Akamas—the Baths of Aphrodite and Fontana Amorosa, where she consorted with Adonis.

The traditional arts and crafts of Cyprus offer a wealth of techniques and a rich visual vocabulary to work with. Although many handicrafts have been produced in the same way from generation to generation, some contemporary artists and designers are reconsidering traditional arts with an eye toward rejuvenating or refurbishing them. The exhibition entitled ‘.CY: Alternative Traditional Art and Design’ gathers works by thirteen artists and three design teams at Almyra. Taking its name from the country extension for Cyprus in internet domain names, the exhibition focuses on the notion of Cypriot culture in the current moment. Artists in the show may approach common Cypriot concerns through modern techniques or, conversely, use traditional Cypriot techniques to approach issues outside the traditional frame of reference. They do not stay within the comfortable realm of folklore and or render familiar provincial scenery. Instead, these artists confront Cypriot traditions creatively, discovering new paths of inquiry and modes of expression. Their works explore (and celebrate) the multifaceted richness of Cypriot identity. The exhibition opens on 14 September at 20:30 with a reception in the Lobby. Curated by Yiannis Sakellis, the group show features artists and designers Christos Avraam, Michalis Argyrou, Elena Daniel, Stella Karagiorgi, Marios Konstantinidis, Charalambos Margaritis, Eleni Panayiotou, Christos Panayiotou, Charalambos Proestos, Marios Shiarlis, Christina Tsantekidou, Paris Christodoulou, Yiannis Sakellis, the design team ‘ΦΧΨ heritage design’, the team Retrovi, and the foundation Faneromenis70. The exhibition continues through 5 October.

Sunday Vibezzz, the weekly summer music programme at Eauzone pool bar and lounge, is closing out its 2019 season with a marathon party on 1 September. It all begins at 15:00 with the Pool Party Set; DJ Kong will spin three hours of mellow rhythm and blues hits while partygoers soak in the sun and swim in the pool. Greek recording artist Harri Agnel is up next as the Sundown Set gets going at 18:00; listen to three hours of down tempo electronic music as you take in the legendary Almyra sunset. Resident DJ Aris takes over at 21:00 with the Midnight Set; his three hours feature Oriental deep ethnic tracks and will keep you grooving until midnight! The party is for adults only (ages 16 and up). Throughout it all, the Eauzone kitchen will be serving sushi à la carte and sharing platters. In addition to our menu of classic and signature cocktails, we offer two drinks menus featuring tequila and gin. The Tequila Time menu offers five mixed drinks along with a selection of five premium tequilas served with your choice of citrus enhancers. With the Gin O’clock menu, choose from six cocktails or command a bespoke gin and tonic—with eight premium gins, four house-infused gins, five tonics, and ten enhancers, the possibilities are endless! You can order wine or champagne by the bottle or by the glass. Stop in at Eauzone this Sunday and celebrate summer.