Brussels: An event titled ‘Echoes of Cyprus’ took place in Brussels as part of the Presidency Day celebrations, showcasing Cyprus’s cultural heritage with participation from EU officials and guests. A central feature of the event was the screening of a documentary on the Cypriot tradition of “tsiattista,” based on the work of James Anastasios Notopoulos and Dimitrios Petropoulos, who recorded this oral poetry in 1953.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Commissioner Costas Kadis emphasized in a video message the significance of intangible cultural heritage as a living element of identity and a bridge between communities. He highlighted Cyprus’s rich cultural history and the enduring role of oral traditions like “tsiattista,” which blend creativity, language, and interaction. Kadis noted that “tsiattista,” inscribed by UNESCO in 2011, remains vibrant today in festivals, media, and public life, particularly during Kataklysmos.
Christos Ellinides, Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Translation, remarked that since joining the EU in 2004, Cyprus has transitioned from a divided nation to an active Member State contributing significantly to the European project. He highlighted Cyprus’s resilience, adaptability, and pursuit of common ground, noting its fast-growing economy and cities like Nicosia, Limassol, and Paphos emerging as technological innovation hubs.
Aliki Stylianou, Director of the Press and Information Office, stressed that oral traditions are not static texts but living cultural expressions shaped by place, time, and communities over generations. She highlighted the importance of preserving and transmitting Cyprus’s cultural heritage in a meaningful way, noting that evolving interpretations of songs and oral expressions reflect their cultural journey.
Ethnomusicologist Dr. Nicoleta Dimitriou explored research questions about “tsiattista,” such as recurring motifs and performers’ gestures. She expanded her research to include poetic duelling traditions across the Mediterranean, describing “tsiattista” as a poetic contest requiring improvisational skill and creativity. The term has evolved, originally referring to competitive couplets, and is known by other names linked to conflict and contest.