Nicosia invites you to the Grape Festival!

In the capital of Northern Cyprus, Lefkoşa, preparations are underway for an unusual gastronomic celebration—the Grape Festival. The event will take place on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Abdi İpekçi Square, in the Station district. The program is set to begin at 5:30 PM.

The festival is organized by the Gİ-KA Koop Women Entrepreneurs Cooperative, whose mission is to promote traditional culture, support handicrafts, and advance local products. According to the organizers, the grape festival is conceived not only as a culinary event but also as an opportunity to remind residents and visitors of the island about the significance of grapes and grape-derived products in Cypriot cuisine.

Attendees can expect a rich program. Masters will prepare traditional grape dishes and desserts right before the audience’s eyes. In particular, visitors will be able to witness the entire process of making sujuk—a sweet treat made from grape juice and nuts—as well as palouze, a delicate pudding based on grape syrup. Additionally, guests will be offered fresh grapes, ashure, grape molasses, and pastelli.

Special emphasis will be placed on homemade traditional products. At the festival, it will be possible not only to taste but also to purchase items crafted by local artisans. The organizers are confident that such events help preserve cultural heritage, unite generations, and create a platform for promoting women entrepreneurs.

The Grape Festival promises to be a vibrant occasion for the residents of Lefkoşa and the city’s guests, offering them the chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Cypriot traditions and enjoy the island’s rich gastronomic heritage.