A slow Cook Dish in a Wood Oven
The Festival Oftou in Peristerona, which took place on September 21, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Cypriot culture, traditions, and community spirit. Located in the picturesque village of Peristerona, in the Nicosia district of Cyprus, the festival has grown into a cherished annual event that brings together locals and visitors alike. This year’s event marked a continuation of the tradition, with an array of activities, culinary delights, musical performances, and cultural showcases that highlighted the essence of rural life and the unique customs of the region.
The Significance of Oftou
The festival takes its name from “ofto,” a traditional Cypriot dish that is central to the island’s culinary heritage. Ofto is slow-cooked meat, typically lamb or pork, that is prepared in a clay oven or “fourno.” The preparation of this dish is an event in itself, reflecting the communal spirit that pervades Cypriot rural life. Families and friends gather around the oven, sharing stories while the meat roasts for hours, slowly absorbing the flavours of the herbs and spices. This dish is emblematic of the Cypriot ethos of hospitality and community, which is what the festival seeks to embody.
At the 4th Festival Oftou, the dish was not only a central culinary attraction but also a symbol of the deeper connections between the people of Peristerona and their cultural roots. The preparation of the oftou was a live event at the festival, allowing visitors to witness the meticulous process of slow-roasting the meat, often seasoned with Cypriot oregano, thyme, and olive oil. As the smell of the dish filled the air, it drew people to the food stalls, where they could sample the finished product alongside a variety of other local foods and delicacies.
Culinary Offerings Beyond Oftou
While oftou was the star of the show, the festival also offered an extensive array of other traditional Cypriot foods, showcasing the diversity of the island’s gastronomy. Visitors could indulge in halloumi, the famous Cypriot cheese, grilled to perfection, and enjoyed in fresh pita bread or on its own. Other delicacies included souvlaki (skewered meat), kleftiko (another slow-cooked lamb dish), loukoumades (honey-soaked doughnuts), and daktyla (finger-shaped pastries filled with nuts and drizzled with syrup).
Local wine and zivania (a strong, distilled spirit similar to grappa) flowed freely, further enhancing the communal atmosphere. Wine from nearby villages, made from indigenous grape varieties like Xynisteri and Maratheftiko, gave festival-goers a true taste of the Cypriot countryside. The stalls were managed by local families, many of whom have passed down their culinary knowledge through generations, and the pride they took in their offerings was evident.
Traditional Music and Dance
No Cypriot festival is complete without music and dance, and the 4th Festival Oftou delivered spectacularly. The sound of the bouzouki, violin, and lute filled the air as local musicians played traditional Cypriot folk songs. These songs, known for their rhythmic and melodic structures, often tell stories of love, loss, and the beauty of the island’s landscapes.
Traditional dances, such as the sousta and the syrtos, were performed by local dance troupes dressed in vibrant, hand-embroidered costumes. The dancers moved in unison, their steps reflecting the time-honoured patterns passed down through the generations. As is customary in Cypriot festivals, many attendees were invited to join in the dancing, blurring the line between performer and spectator and creating a sense of unity and shared experience.
One of the highlights of the musical performances was a live concert by a well-known Cypriot folk band, whose energetic renditions of both traditional and contemporary Cypriot songs had the crowd clapping and singing along. The open-air stage, set against the backdrop of the village’s traditional stone houses and the surrounding countryside, created an enchanting atmosphere.
Cultural Exhibits and Crafts
In addition to food and music, the festival featured a range of cultural exhibits that showcased the rich history and traditions of Peristerona and the wider region. Local artisans set up stalls where they demonstrated traditional crafts such as pottery, basket weaving, and embroidery. These crafts are not only a vital part of Cyprus’s cultural heritage but also an important means of livelihood for many in rural areas.
A special exhibit was dedicated to the history of the village itself. Peristerona, known for its five-domed Byzantine church dedicated to St. Barnabas and St. Hilarion, has a long and storied past. The village is a testament to the island’s layered history, where ancient, medieval, and modern elements coexist. The festival allowed visitors to explore this heritage through guided tours and photographic exhibitions that chronicled the village’s evolution over the centuries.
Children also had a variety of activities to enjoy, including traditional games, storytelling sessions, and workshops where they could try their hand at crafts like pottery and painting. These activities not only entertained the younger visitors but also provided them with an educational experience, teaching them about their cultural heritage in an engaging way.
A Celebration of Community and Sustainability
One of the defining characteristics of the Festival Oftou is its emphasis on community. The event is organized by the residents of Peristerona, and nearly everyone in the village contributes in some way, whether by cooking, setting up stalls, performing, or guiding visitors. This collective effort fosters a strong sense of unity and pride, and the festival serves as a way to bring the community closer together while also welcoming visitors from other parts of Cyprus and abroad.
Sustainability was another key theme of this year’s festival. To reduce waste and promote environmentally friendly practices, many of the food stalls used biodegradable plates and utensils. There was also a focus on local produce, with many of the ingredients used in the dishes sourced from nearby farms. This not only ensured the freshness and quality of the food but also supported local agriculture.
The Impact of the Festival
Over the years, the Festival Oftou has grown from a small local celebration into a significant event on the island’s cultural calendar. It has become an important platform for promoting the preservation of Cypriot traditions, particularly in the face of rapid modernization and globalization. By focusing on local food, music, and crafts, the festival helps to keep these traditions alive for future generations.
The 4th Festival Oftou also contributed to the local economy, attracting tourists and visitors who stayed in nearby accommodations, dined in local restaurants and purchased souvenirs from artisans. This influx of visitors provided a boost to the village and surrounding areas, demonstrating the potential of cultural tourism to support rural economies.
Conclusion
The 4th Festival Oftou in Peristerona on September 21, 2024, was a vibrant celebration of Cypriot culture, tradition, and community. Through its focus on traditional foods, especially the iconic oftou, as well as its lively music, dance, and cultural exhibitions, the festival offered a rich and immersive experience for all who attended. It served not only as a joyful gathering but also as a reminder of the importance of preserving and celebrating cultural heritage in an ever-changing world. As the festival continues to grow in popularity, it stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the people of Peristerona and the wider Cypriot community.
