Cyprus is a country of bright sun, sea, antiquities and festivals. For this reason, almost at any time of the year, there are always many guests from all over the world.
Agriculture has always been one of the main occupations of the Cypriots. Strawberry cultivation began on the island 55 years ago. Today, the leader of Cyprus in this industry is the area located near the village of Derinya, where up to 60% of the total amount of this sweet berry is produced. Cypriots make juices, liqueurs, ice cream, preserves, marmalade and much more from it. Moreover, since 1999, it is here, in Derinje, that the Strawberry Festival has been held. Royal berry connoisseurs come to the event from all over Cyprus. It is impossible to stay away if all guests are treated to strawberries for free.
In 2012, the most important guest of the festival was Dimitris Christofias, the former president of the republic. Over the years, the festival was attended by up to 12,000 people. The festival is accompanied by free treats, national dances, songs and fireworks.
The organizer of the festival, which takes place in Derigny twice a year, is the village authorities. The village is located in the southeastern part of the island, just a few kilometers from the territory of Famagusta and the sea. Experts believe that the settlement is at least 700 years old. According to one of the legends, the name of the village comes from the ancient city of Gerinia, from where many settlers arrived in Cyprus after the Trojan War. At the moment, about 7,500 people live in the village and its surroundings. The village authorities help the farmers develop, who, in turn, provide a part of the harvest absolutely free of charge for events like the festival.
The village has its own attractions. In particular, there are 11 churches here. The largest of them - the Temple of All Saints - began to be built in 1974. Then, during the war years, its construction was suspended, and the construction and equipping of this building were completed only by 1992. The oldest church in Derinya is the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which, according to historians, was built at the turn of the 15th-16th centuries. The Byzantine-style building has retained its valuable interior decoration. In particular, the icons of the 18th century and the carved iconostasis that appeared in the church in 1911. Derinya also has its own Museum of Ethnography, which is located in an old building.
