Bağlıköy goes ‘batty’ on ‘Eco Day’ as crowds turn out for March 9 picnics
THE western village of Bağlıköy went “batty” to celebrate the environment at the weekend — while hundreds also turned out in the east of the country to keep up springtime tradition.
Bağlıköy, near Lefke, hosted its fifth “Eco Day” on Sunday, with stalls selling a wide range of local produce.
Folk dancing, music and a nature walk to a nearby cave inhabited by bats all provided entertainment for locals and tourists alike.
Prime Minister Tufan Erhürman and his wife Nilden Bektaş, Tourism Minister Fikri Ataoğlu and National Education Minister Cemal Özyiğit were among dignitaries present at the event.
“Bağlıköy is one of the most cheerful and happiest villages of the country,” said Dr Erhürman.
“You feel happy to live in this country when you visit this village. Yet unfortunately it’s not possible to feel the same way when you visit other areas.
“Bağlıköy is a good example for the [rest of the] country, as it shows us what, if there is a will, Turkish Cypriots can achieve.”
The Premier said he wanted to see other villages emulate Bağlıköy’s “success”, adding: “We will make a change together. We will make the whole country colourful, beautiful and as cheerful as Bağlıköy.
“That depends on us. We need to believe we can make a change, as the villagers here believed and achieved it.”
There was weekend springtime cheer aplenty as picnickers turned out in force at Alaniçi, Geçitkale and Yeniboğaziçi for the annual “March 9” celebrations — a ritual to welcome spring which dates back to pre-1974 times.
Alaniçi and Geçitkale villagers met up to barbecue at the Kale Aşık and Mersinlik picnic areas respectively, enjoying food, music, song, dance and a relaxed social atmosphere — including a visit to the Geçitkale gathering by President Mustafa Akıncı and Dr Erhürman.
The tradition was also maintained at the Bedi’s picnic area, Salamis, by Yeniboğaziçi residents who expressed delight at being able to restart the event after a two-year break during which the site had been closed for a planned privatisation.
Yeniboğaziçi Women’s Association head Hidayet Özerinç thanked officials for making it possible for the celebration to take place, while secretary Nazenin Taşçıoğlu Şahali said they would continue to work hard to keep such “cherished ethnic traditions” alive for future generations.