Ethno Cyprus 2013

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.

The programme culminated in a public concert held on 5 July 2013 at the Heroes’ Square in Limassol, where the musicians presented a collaboratively developed programme blending Mediterranean musical traditions in creative ways.

Ethno Cyprus 2013 was structured to address broader social aims rooted in the Euro‑Arab Youth Music Centre’s values: promoting cultural dialogue, youth mobility, and artistic inclusion across Europe and the Arab world. Many participants came from communities with limited access to international artistic platforms. By participating, they not only gained musical skills but also built cross-border friendships and networks, returning home as informal ambassadors of understanding.

The camp’s lasting impact is seen in the many participants who remained connected after the residency and brought their experiences back to their local contexts—whether in schools, community ensembles, or cultural organizations. Ethno Cyprus 2013 exemplified how music education and peer collaboration can dissolve cultural boundaries, nurture solidarity, and foster a shared Mediterranean identity.