Nicosia: The Department of Antiquities is set to host an evening of culture and remembrance on Friday, 28 August 2026, at 20:30, at the Ancient Odeon of Paphos. This event is part of the 'Archaeological Sites in the Light of the August Full Moon' series and is held under the auspices of the Deputy Minister of Culture, Clea Hadjistefanou Papaellina.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the event this year is called 'Beyond Time, Under the Oxyrhynchus Moon' and is inspired by an ancient myth that transcends time. The Department explained in a press release that the event draws from the tradition of Oxyrhynchus, the enigmatic sharp-snouted fish of the Nile, which is linked to the dismemberment of the god Osiris and symbolizes the eternal connection between life, death, memory, and rebirth.
The press release elaborated that from ancient Egypt to the Hellenistic Mediterranean, Oxyrhynchus' symbolism reinforces the concept that traces of the past continue to illuminate human existence, akin to how the moon lights up the night. Visitors will be treated to a musical narrative performance under the August moon, featuring a bouzouki quartet, and will have the opportunity to explore constellations that have guided people for millennia. The Cyprus Space Exploration Organisation will also provide a guided tour of the starlit sky over Paphos.
The Department emphasized that the event aims to demonstrate that the Ancient Odeon of Paphos is not merely a relic of the past but a vibrant venue for cultural heritage, art, and science. The public is invited to participate in a remarkable evening where moonlight, music, and historical shadows converge, creating an experience that illustrates how culture remains a living, inspiring force that unites people under the same sky.