A cultural festival in Ayios Ioannis Larnaca will take place this week, highlighting the art, creativity and history of the neighbourhood. Taking place on Friday and Saturday, the festival is organised by Larnaka 2030 and is a continuation of ‘mahaLart’, a programme introduced to activate the neighbourhoods that are on the fringes of the city’s artistic life. The aim of the programme is to promote co-creation and cultural democracy where art is seen as a public good and a common property of all people.
Visual artist Antonis Tziarrides, an Ayios Ioannis local who grew up in the neighbourhood and is artistically and professionally active in its streets, has curated the festival’s two-day programme. His family home, his workshop and his shop are all located there.
Through a range of free cultural activities, the festival seeks to highlight the importance of Mantomahallas for the human history of Larnaca, based on the hospitality, kindness and humanity of the inhabitants of Ayios Ioannis. From the word Mantomahalla, Mantomahallart emerged, an art convention that opens the doors of the residents just like in the old days, recalling the old neighbourhood and the gathering of its people.
The festival offers a variety of events, including art exhibitions, open studios, graffiti, music, a street party, walking tour, theatrical performance, dining and street food. Seeking the direct involvement of the neighbourhood residents, an exhibition of old photos and videos with narratives of the people of the area will be held.
The artists Ioanna Kasiki, Panayiotis Doukanaris, Evdokia Georgiou and Tziarrides will also participate in the festival. In addition, the festival will feature two sculptures by Costas Argyrou, an exhibition curated by Theocharis Karagiannis, while street artist Twenty Three will create graffiti in the area titled Alasia Serene.
During both days of the festival, from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, the workshops of local artists will remain open to visitors, including those of Vassos Demetriou, Katerina Stavrou, Ariana Zakou, Stella Issa, Spyros Agathou and Tziarrides.
What’s more, on Friday, The Road is Mine walking theatrical performance will take place with Loukia Mousoulioti and written by Marina Vronti. The two performances will take place at 7.30pm and 8pm.
And because it is not a festival without music, DJs Barlic Gutter will perform on Friday evening before Yaraman featuring Irene Pelagia in a live set. On Saturday, Dr Cordoba and DJ Astrochimp will take over the decks. Throughout Saturday, a series of events will take place including a guided walking tour of the neighbourhood by Dr Iosif Hadjikyriakos unveiling stories of the past.
Mantomahallart
Two-day festival with cultural activities, guided walks, music, studio visits, exhibitions and more. October 11-12. Agios Ioannis neighbourhood, Larnaca. https://www.facebook.com/larnaka2030
