Ethno Cyprus
Ethno Cyprus is an international music camp and festival that gathers young musicians from around the world to celebrate and share traditional and folk music. Organized under the umbrella of Jeunesses Musicales International, it forms part of the global ETHNO program, which promotes cultural exchange through music. During the camp, participants teach each other songs and melodies from their countries, learning by ear rather than using written music. This collaborative process creates a unique intercultural experience, fostering dialogue, creativity, and friendship among musicians from diverse backgrounds.​​
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Throughout the event, participants take part in live concerts across various locations in Cyprus, presenting the traditional songs they have learned and arranged together. These performances allow local audiences to experience a rich blend of musical cultures, showcasing the diversity and beauty of global folk traditions. Beyond the concerts, Ethno Cyprus serves as a platform for young musicians to build friendships, exchange ideas, and develop a deeper appreciation for cultural diversity. By uniting people through music, the festival promotes values of peace, collaboration, and respect for different heritages.
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"In many years from now, I will neither remember your faces
nor your names, but I will always remember the songs we played together."
Young violin player from Jordan
Ethno Cyprus 2024 brought together 25 young musicians from Cyprus, Belgium, Croatia, and Jordan in Limassol for a week of musical exchange and collaboration. Organized by the Euro-Arab Youth Music Centre in partnership with Jeunesses Musicales International (JMI), the Arab Academy of Music, and the Cultural Movement of Limassol “Epilogi,” the camp took place from October 26 to November 3, 2024.
Ethno Cyprus 2023 gathered 20 young musicians from Jordan, Portugal, Italy, Georgia, Germany, France, Denmark, Greece, and Cyprus in Limassol for an unforgettable week of musical exchange. Organized by the Euro-Arab Youth Music Centre in collaboration with the Municipality of Limassol’s “Multi-Coloured Music” programme, the event took place from November 20 to 27, 2023.
Ethno Cyprus 2021 brought together young musicians from around the world in Limassol for a unique celebration of folk traditions and cultural exchange. Participants shared songs and melodies from their home countries, learning and teaching entirely by ear, fostering collaboration and creativity in a truly immersive environment.
“After the success of previous “Ethno Cyprus” traditional music camps held in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2016 this year Euro-Arab Youth Music Center presented “Ethno Cyprus 2018” which was held in Limassol, between July 1st and July 10th 2018. The project was realized in partnership with Cultural Movement of Limassol EPILOGI, JM International, Arab Academy of Music of the League of Arab States, JM Croatia ...
35 young virtuosos of traditional instruments from European (Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus) and Arab countries (Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon), met to explore their common cultural identity. Using music as a starting point they created a platform for intercultural dialogue that fosters mutual understanding and respect...
Ethno Cyprus 2013 took place in Limassol from 28 June to 8 July 2013, as part of the Euro‑Arab Youth Music Centre’s continuing mission to bring together young traditional musicians from Mediterranean regions. About 40 participants, aged 15–30, representing both Arab countries (such as Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq) and European nations (including Cyprus, Croatia, and Belgium), convened to explore shared cultural roots through music.
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