The sweetest festival in Cyprus. Kakopetria invites you to a full day of tastings.

Nuts, figs, cherries, and even eggplants in syrup. On Sunday, Kakopetria will celebrate one of the most distinctive Cypriot traditions.

One of the most popular mountain towns in Cyprus will be transformed into a kingdom of sweets on Sunday. On September 27, the 7th Glyko tou Koutaliou Festival will take place in Kakopetria, traditional Cypriot fruits, vegetables and nuts prepared in sweet syrup. The event will start at 11:00, and participation in the festival and the evening concert is free.

But this isn't just an opportunity for tasting. The streets, square, and school in Kakopetria will be filled with stalls, demonstrations of traditional crafts, music, dance, and activities for children. This year's edition aims to combine ancient Cypriot traditions with a more contemporary family festival format.

What exactly is glyko tou koutaliou?

For Poles, the name itself may sound mysterious. Literally, it means "sweetness from a spoon".

This is one of the most characteristic elements of traditional Cypriot hospitality. Fruit, vegetables, or nuts are preserved in a thick, sweet syrup and served in small portions on a plate—usually with a spoon.

Glyko tou koutaliou was traditionally served to guests visiting the home. It can still be found in Cypriot taverns, cafes, and shops selling local products.

The most interesting thing, however, is the variety of products used to prepare it.

Not just cherries and figs

During the festival, you will be able to see that syrup can contain much more than just typical fruit.

Traditional Cypriot versions of glyko tou koutaliou are prepared with, among other things, green walnuts, quinces, cherries, figs, watermelon peels or bitter oranges.

One of the most surprising varieties is small white eggplants.

The festival gives you the opportunity to try different versions of these sweets, talk to the producers, and buy jars of local products.

You will be able to learn how to prepare them

The organizers also thought about the youngest.

Children will be able to take part in interactive workshop on preparing glyko tou koutaliou and see how a traditional Cypriot delicacy is made.

There will also be inflatables, face painting, laser tag and other games and activities available on the school grounds.

The children's program will end at 5:00 p.m. theatre performance "I Bourboulomagissa" performed by Teatro Angelico.

Tradition, music and tsiattista

The festival will not be limited to food.

Handicraft shows and sales, dance performances and tsiattista – improvised poetic duels typical of Cyprus, performed most often in the local dialect.

This year's program also includes competitions and artistic performances.

One of the main events of the evening will be free concert by Herodotos Miltiadouswhich will start at 7:30 p.m. at the primary school in Kakopetria.

A good excuse to visit Kakopetria

The festival itself can also be an excuse for a day trip to the mountains.

Kakopetria is located in the Solea Valley in the Troodos Mountains and is one of the most visited mountain villages on the island. The characteristic old part of the village, with its narrow streets and traditional architecture, is located near the event venue.

So there's no need to arrive until the evening for the concert. The festival begins at 11:00 a.m. and will offer tastings, local produce, and attractions for adults and children throughout the day.

The festival is free

Admission to 7. Glyko tou Koutaliou Festival is free. You also don't need to buy a ticket for the evening concert.

So if someone knows Kakopetria primarily as a place for a walk, coffee and lunch in the mountains, they will have an additional reason to go there next Sunday.

And at the same time, find out, what Cypriots can put in a jar of syrup.

Sources: Heartland of Legends, Kakopetria Community, Check In Cyprus, City Sigmalive