In October 2025, Nicosia will pulse with the vibrant rhythms of Cyprus’s cultural past and present, as BE OPEN and the Centre of Visual Arts and Research (CVAR) unveil “Here Come the Cypriots.” This innovative event promises not only a dazzling display of historic fashion but also a dynamic celebration of Cypriot heritage, community engagement, and the creative power of youth. As the island continues to assert its unique cultural identity on the Mediterranean stage, this festival offers a rare opportunity to witness how threads of history weave seamlessly into the fabric of contemporary life.
Cypriot Heritage Reimagined: The Power of Dress
“Here Come the Cypriots” is far more than a fashion show. It is a living tableau of Cyprus’s multifaceted history, told through garments that have survived centuries of change. From the ornate textiles of the Ottoman era to the structured sartorial codes of British colonial rule and the expressive silhouettes of the modern age, the event’s runway will spotlight original pieces that reflect the island’s journey through time.
Fashion here becomes a marker of transformation. The curated collection illuminates how styles have mirrored social upheaval, economic evolution, and cultural exchange. Each ensemble reveals not just aesthetic preferences, but the shifting aspirations of Cypriot society: resilience during occupation, adaptation in times of prosperity, and creativity in the face of globalization.
By anchoring its narrative in clothing, the festival poses a provocative question—what can a nation’s wardrobe teach us about its soul? “Here Come the Cypriots” suggests the answer is profound: that textiles and tailoring are as much historical documents as any chronicle, bearing silent witness to periods of pride, struggle, and renewal.
History in Motion: When Fashion Meets Performance
The event’s format is as bold as its message. Rather than a static exhibition, “Here Come the Cypriots” fuses runway presentation with live performance, transforming the act of viewing into an immersive journey. Adolescents from local schools will don the historic costumes, stepping onto the catwalk not merely as models but as storytellers and stewards of their heritage.
This decision is emblematic of a new approach to cultural programming—one that privileges participation, education, and collective experience. By entrusting young Cypriots with the role of ambassador, the festival ignites a sense of ownership and pride in the next generation. The spectacle becomes a communal rite, blurring the boundaries between observer and participant, and reminding all who attend that heritage is not inherited passively, but actively embodied and performed.
BE OPEN: Bridging Generations Through Art and Education
At the heart of this initiative stands BE OPEN, a sociocultural foundation of international renown. Established by philanthropist Elena Baturina, BE OPEN’s mission is to harness artistic and educational projects as catalysts for creativity, innovation, and social cohesion. In Cyprus, the organization’s impact has been particularly resonant—championing youth participation, fostering respect for local traditions, and cultivating avenues for self-expression.
Elena Baturina’s vision for “Here Come the Cypriots” is crystal clear. “The rich history of Cypriot artistry and craft inspires and enriches this type of project,” she notes. “By educating and entertaining, we connect the past with the future, intertwining the traditions of tailoring with contemporary design.” Her words capture an ethos that is as ambitious as it is inclusive: a belief that culture flourishes when communities come together to celebrate, question, and reimagine their roots.
The festival’s street format further underscores this commitment. Rather than confining the spectacle to an elite audience, BE OPEN and CVAR invite the entire community—residents, visitors, and schoolchildren alike—to engage with Cypriot culture in a shared public space. The result is a democratization of heritage, where fashion becomes a language spoken by all.
Youth Engagement: Cultivating Tomorrow’s Creators
One of the event’s most compelling aspects is its focus on young people. By involving adolescents as both performers and learners, “Here Come the Cypriots” transcends the boundaries of a traditional fashion show. The experience is designed to be transformative, expanding knowledge and inspiring respect, love, and appreciation for Cyprus’s history, culture, and creative capacities.
BE OPEN’s track record in youth engagement is impressive. Previous initiatives have included:
- Exhibitions of Mediterranean youth art
- Educational sessions for schoolchildren featuring talks on artisanal entrepreneurship
- Masterclasses in traditional Cypriot weaving
- Programs aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encouraging innovative solutions for a sustainable future
Each endeavor reflects a deep understanding of the importance of empowering young people—giving them not just skills, but a voice in shaping their own cultural destinies. In a world where heritage is too often relegated to nostalgia, BE OPEN’s approach is refreshingly forward-looking, turning history into a resource for contemporary creativity and civic engagement.
Fashion as a Lens: Interpreting Change and Identity
What does it mean to explore a nation’s history through fashion? For Cyprus—a crossroads of civilizations, religions, and markets—the answer is rich and nuanced. Garments are more than adornment; they are archives of memory, taste, and power. The transition from Ottoman robes to British colonial tailoring and beyond charts not only a stylistic evolution, but also a series of negotiations with modernity, sovereignty, and global influence.
“Here Come the Cypriots” invites attendees to reflect on these processes. How did Cypriot dress codes respond to moments of upheaval or prosperity? In what ways did imported styles challenge or reinforce local identities? And, crucially, how do contemporary Cypriots reinterpret these legacies as they navigate the pressures and possibilities of globalization?
By staging these questions on the runway—and by giving them voice through the energy of youth—the event positions fashion as a potent lens for understanding the dynamics of cultural change. It is a reminder that style is never just surface, but a complex interplay of tradition, innovation, and self-definition.
Community, Connection, and the Future of Cypriot Culture
At its core, “Here Come the Cypriots” is a celebration of connection. The festival’s open-air format brings together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation. The involvement of local schools ensures that the event will reverberate beyond its immediate audience, embedding its lessons into the consciousness of future generations.
For Cyprus—a nation whose history has been shaped by encounters, migrations, and cultural fusion—such initiatives are vital. They offer a template for how communities can honor their past without being bound by it, and how the creative energies of youth can be channeled into projects that are both respectful and radical.
BE OPEN’s ongoing commitment to Cyprus is emblematic of a broader movement within cultural programming: the belief that heritage must be lived, shared, and reinvented if it is to remain meaningful. By aligning artistic celebration with educational empowerment and sustainability, the foundation asserts that the future of Cypriot culture will be one of dynamism, resilience, and inclusivity.
Conclusion: Weaving Past and Future on the Runway
As Nicosia prepares to host “Here Come the Cypriots,” anticipation builds not only for a spectacle of beauty and artistry, but for a profound exploration of identity and legacy. The event’s fusion of historic fashion, youth performance, and community participation marks a bold step in the ongoing story of Cypriot culture—a story defined by openness, creativity, and a willingness to embrace change.
For those who attend, the evening will be an invitation to look beyond the surface, to read the language of dress, and to imagine new possibilities for connection and self-expression. In the hands of BE OPEN, CVAR, and the island’s youth, Cyprus’s heritage is not a relic to be preserved, but a living force to be celebrated and transformed.
“Here Come the Cypriots” is a testament to the enduring power of culture—and an inspiring vision of how the threads of history can be rewoven for a brighter, more inclusive future.
