From 15 to 19 April 2026, Paphos hosted the first international event of the Cultural Roots: Bringing Traditions Back to Life Erasmus+ youth exchange. The programme aimed to help young people connect with their cultural roots, discover other countries' traditions and become active members of an international community.
Over several days, participants visited a number of Cypriot communities. In Geroskipou, they explored local traditions, including loukoumi-making. In Statos, they discovered a traditional Cypriot museum, flaounes and local fruit sweets. Workshops in Fyti introduced beeswax candle-making, weaving and pottery, while in Mesogi the shared learning included basket weaving and Cypriot folk dancing.
Alongside the organised activities, the human connections were one of the exchange's greatest strengths. Young people gained knowledge and experienced what it means to learn, talk and share experiences in an international community.
Our participant Zsinkó Levente Gergő described this in his account:
‘I spent five days in Cyprus, three of them on organised activities and exploring the island. The journey meant much more to me than an ordinary trip: I flew for the first time in my life and saw the sea for the first time.’
The natural surroundings and everyday life in Cyprus made a particular impression on Levente. He was fascinated by the olive and orange trees and the friendly cats frequently seen in the streets. He also noted that traditional crafts such as weaving and horseshoeing felt ‘particularly similar to Hungarian traditions’.
The programme's food and cultural experiences also left a lasting impression:
‘The local food held some surprises for me. It is very different from Hungarian cooking, and it was interesting to try, although after one or two occasions I felt I had had enough.’
Perhaps the most significant point in his account is how the programme combined learning, active leisure and personal development:
‘I can finally say that I have been able to relax actively and learn about a culture that was completely unfamiliar to me before.’
The Cultural Roots youth exchange in Paphos was a real learning experience: an encounter with Cypriot culture, other communities' traditions and new people, and for many participants an opportunity to step beyond their comfort zones. It reaffirmed that traditions are living values that build communities and connect young people.
