Press Release
In an emotional and deeply moving atmosphere, 13 community leaders from fire-affected areas of mountainous Limassol were honored on Tuesday night, June 30, 2026, for their valuable contribution in responding to last year’s devastating wildfire, both during the dramatic hours and days of the disaster and throughout the recovery period that followed.
The award was presented as part of this year’s Quality Awards organized by Gastronomos magazine and Kathimerini newspaper.
The community leaders honored were from Souni-Zanatzia, Kyvides, Agios Amvrosios, Agios Therapon, Lofou, Vouni, Silikou, Omodos, Koilani, Vasa Koilaniou, Potamiou, Arsos, and Malia.
The ceremony, which for the first time this year evolved into a festival, was deliberately held in the fire-affected village of Vouni as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and practical support for the communities that were hit hardest.
The wildfire, considered the largest in Cyprus’ modern history, resulted in the deaths of two elderly residents from Silikou and left approximately 125 square kilometers of land burned, destroying hundreds of homes, properties, and vital green areas.
Presenting the award, Deputy Minister to the President Eirini Piki highlighted the important role played by the community leaders, saying they stood “on the front line alongside their fellow citizens” during the most critical moments.
With a strong sense of responsibility, self-sacrifice, and genuine love for their communities, the community leaders made a significant contribution not only to managing the crisis but also to the wider effort of recovery and rebuilding, she said.
Piki added that the government and relevant state services supported the affected communities through immediate mobilization, damage assessments, assistance for affected families, restoration of homes and infrastructure, support for producers, and environmental recovery initiatives.
“The effort continues because supporting mountainous Limassol is a responsibility, a priority, and a practical investment in the future of the Cypriot countryside,” she said. She added that holding this year’s Gastronomos festival in Vouni sends a message of solidarity, renewal, and optimism to the whole of Cyprus.
Speaking on behalf of the community leaders, Omodos Community Council President Eugenios Michael said the evening highlighted the importance of supporting rural areas and the people who live there.
“The best way to achieve this is by supporting our local products. This is what we must teach our children and grandchildren,” he said.
Michael also thanked the state for standing by the affected communities during the difficult period and made special mention of Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou and her team.
“We must also say thank you,” he said, adding that this year an important long-standing goal was achieved: state funding to help restore abandoned land by making it greener and reducing the risk of similar disasters in the future.
The honorary award presented by Gastronomos was inspired by the olive tree, Cyprus’ sacred tree and a timeless symbol of fertility, peace, and resilience.
