- Yermasoyia Today
In 1960, the coastal area of Germasoyia called 'Potamos Germasoyias' begun developing. During this period the properties were marked for the construction of new buildings. In 1966 the first hotel in the area - MIRAMARE - was built. In the beginning of the 1970’s the first apartment buildings were constructed and in 1972 the second hotel - APOLLONIA- was finished.
The slow but steady progress was superseded by a rapid growth in the tourist industry and residential construction in 1974, the result of the Turkish invasion, when Turkey occupied 40% of the island and forced two hundred thousand Cypriots to flee their homes.
The rapid growth along the coast was later extended inland, until 1990. This rendered Germasoyia an important tourist centre with 56 hotel units of all categories with a total of 5500 beds. Parallel to the Hotel industry there was a development in the Services sector and Entertainment industry, setting the conditions for hundreds of businesses to emerge and thrive.
Today, housing development continues to grow in Germasoyia, a beautiful area with high hills boasting excellent sea views. At the same time, the Tourist industry and the Services sector are growing stronger, aiming to further improve and upgrade the quality of their services.
- Flower Festival
After a one-year brake, in May 1997, the Anthestiria Festival was organised in rotation by five Limassol Municipalities, starting with Germasoyia Municipality.
Despite the above decision, since 1999, Germasoyia Municipality exclusively and permanently took on the organisation of the Festival.
Aims and Tasks
Anthestiria, now a two-day Festival, has various tasks and aims such as:
- to maintain the ancient tradition and character of the festival which is part of our cultural heritage
- the enchantment of the festival and the transmission of its spirit to the new generation
- the involvement of young people into artistic and meaningful activities
- to promote the appreciation of nature and raise environmental consciousness
- to promote our age-long history and culture to the foreign visitor
- to reinforce the Limassol tourist industry
The two-day festival is organised in May, in the heart of the tourist area of the Potamos Germasoyias.
