Seven-Meter Winemaker Statue Unveiled in Limassol

In preparation for the 63rd City Wine Festival, a towering seven-meter statue of a winemaker has been installed in Limassol's municipal garden. The festival kicks off on September 28 and will run through October 6.

The statue, known as “Vragaman,” features a man dressed in traditional Cypriot attire, including a vest and the baggy trousers called “vrakas.” In one hand, he holds a wine jug, while in the other, he grips a bunch of grapes.

The statue’s installation was celebrated with a choir performance, and Limassol’s mayor, Yannis Armenis, was on hand to mark the occasion. He announced that, in honor of the festival, 1,000 collectible bottles of wine will be produced.

Mayor Armenis also noted that the Minister of Tourism has designated 2024 as the “Year of Commandaria”—a traditional Cypriot dessert wine made from two local grape varieties, Xynisteri and Mavro.

Commandaria holds Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status from the European Union and is also recognized by the United States and Canada.

Legislation from 1990 dictates that Commandaria can only be produced in 14 villages at the foot of the Troodos Mountains in the Limassol region.