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If you've never slurped down a bowl of jiggly, rosewater-soaked mahalepi while watching live poetry battles and traditional goat meat drying in the sun... well, where have you been?
This weekend, the picturesque mountain village of Amiantos in the Limassol district is putting on its festive hat, and probably a sunhat too, for the Mahalepi Festival (August 9–10), a joyful, slightly eccentric celebration of Cyprus' favorite summertime dessert and all the traditions that come with it.
Mahalepi is one of those local desserts that defies explanation, somewhere between a jelly and a custard, chilled to perfection, and always bathed in fragrant rosewater syrup. You either love it or... well, let’s just say it's an acquired taste. But even if it’s not your cup of syrup, there’s plenty more to sink your teeth into.
At Hadjiktori Park, visitors can try both classic and modern spins on the dessert, take part in hands-on workshops like zivania distillation (yes, the strong stuff) and basket weaving, and shop for local goodies: trachanas for your winter soups, sousioukkos if you’re into chewy grape goo with almonds, and tsamarella, Cyprus’ answer to jerky, except made with goat and sunshine.
There’s also sugar-packed spoon sweets, homemade jams, village wine, and other delights that’ll make your diet scream for mercy. And when you’ve stuffed yourself silly? Lace up your walking shoes and join a guided hike along the stunning Loumata ton Aeton trail to walk it off (or at least pretend to).
The evenings round off with live music, Cypriot folk dances, and even “tsattista” poetry duels...think rap battles, but in dialect, and with more mustaches.
Need-to-know:
Where: Amiantos village, Hadjiktori Park
When: Saturday, Aug. 9 (17:00) & Sunday, Aug. 10 (16:00–20:00)
Info: +357 25552335
So grab your sunblock and your appetite, and head for the hills. Amiantos is calling, and it smells like rosewater.
