2024-03-28 12:25:50
Excitement, awe, recognition of the heavy responsibility, joy and sadness were some of the dozens of emotions experienced by the members of the mission of the Municipality of Pogoni, who attended the Twinning Ceremony with the Municipality of Agia Napa.
A special scene was created in the Limanaki of Agia Napa and in front of the eyes of hundreds of visitors the Battle of Agia Napa took place with the Delvinaki chief Hatzimichalis Dalianis and his brave lads putting the Turkish garrison of Famagusta to flight.
The “Hipparchus of the battle of paligenesis” is also the connecting link for the twinning of the two Municipalities, which were united by a relationship of mutual support and cooperation both at the self-governing and at the human level, as the two sides are “bound” by common characteristics, a fact that the mayor of Pogoni Kostas Kapsalis also pointed out in his greeting.
On Saturday, March 23, a few minutes after 5 pm, the Ayia Napa Municipality band gave the signal, the banners and flags of the Struggle were lined up, the Frogmen Association carried the Holy Light from Panagia Ayia Napa and the revolutionary flag was handed over Race 1821 to the Minister of Finance Makis Keravnos.
The events for the National Palygenesis are held for the 4th consecutive year by the Municipality of Ayia Napa and keep alive the unique battle of March 17, 1826 between Greek Rebels and Turkish guards of Ayia Napa – Famagusta. “The brilliant celebrations have become an institution and a point of reference”, underlined the president of the co-organizer Association of Friends of the “Aroma” Sculpture Park, Christakis Pittas, while the former ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus, professor of History at the University of Neapolis, Giorgos Georgis, presented an in-depth research on Hatzimichalis Dalianis and the history of the Battle.
The mayor of Ayia Napa, Christos Zannettos, described the villages of Cyprus as birthplaces of heroes and ethnic martyrs, stressing that today national and religious landmarks are being honored, while he referred to the historical importance of Twinning. “Tonight we welcome the Municipality of Pogoni for the completion of the Twinning, thus fulfilling another duty to bring together the two Municipalities, connected by a historical person”, he noted.
“The twinning ceremony seals a close relationship of cooperation and friendship with our national Hero Hatzimichalis Dalianis uniting the two Municipalities”, emphasized the mayor of Pogoni Kostas Kapsalis. As he mentioned, the ceremony creates a common framework for actions and exchange of experiences in various fields of administration, sports, art and culture. “The border Municipality of Pogoni and the seaside Agia Napa have two more common characteristics. The liveliness of their people and the warm hospitality, which starts by opening our hearts and our homes”, he noted, inviting those present to visit the villages of the Municipality of Pogoni.
The ceremony of the day was delivered by the Minister of Finance Makis Keraynos, who emphasized that the goal of the Revolution went beyond the Greek borders and was transferred to Cyprus, but the struggle will end with the reunification of the Cypriot people. “Reunification is our priority. A reunification that will ensure stability and harmonious coexistence and we are obliged to continue until the final vindication”, he said characteristically.
Afterwards, a video was shown about Hatzimichalis Dalianis and Delvinaki, followed by the signing of the Protocol for the completion of the Twinning process of the Municipalities of Pogoni and Agia Napa, as well as an exchange of gifts.
The events for the National Palygenesis ended with the re-enactment of the unique battle of Ayia Napa.
The Municipality of Pogoni congratulates all the contributors of the event and especially thanks the mayor of Agia Napa Christos Zannettos, all the members of the municipal council, the cultural officer of the Municipality Maria Tofini Tsantila and the president of the Association of Friends of Sweets Park “Aroma” Christakis Pitta for the warm hospitality.