It is (still) festival season and Cyprus’ villages and rural areas are busy celebrating local life, culture and seasonal produce. An upcoming one-day festival places the spotlight on a beloved and hearty summer dish – ofto kleftiko.
Kleftiko festivals are typically associated with Meneou village which recently hosted its annual event. This September though, another village will honour this traditional Cypriot dish. The Peristerona community will host the 4th Ofto Festival on September 21 at its elementary school.
An evening of food, music and song will unfold, starting at 5pm. Invited guest of the festival is well-known Cypriot TV chef Chryso Lefou who will be making traditional food and dessert recipes from 5pm to 8pm. Accompanying her will be chef Christos Tomashi and baker Agapi Ioannou. Apart from watching the cooking demonstrations and learning new cooking recipes and tips, festival-goers will also be able to taste and purchase local goods, delights and snacks from stands.
Of course, it would not be an Ofto Festival without serving kleftiko to its guests. Included in the €15 ticket is an ofto kleftiko meal as well as a live music programme. Performing live on the evening will be Giannis Theotokis, Cleopatra Topazou and Constantinos Asprou who will entertain visitors with Greek music and plenty of cheer.
4th Peristerona Ofto Festival
Traditional festival with cooking demonstrations, kleftiko and live music. September 21. Elementary school Peristerona. 5pm onwards. €15
