On the 15-th of May in St. Petersburg for the fourth time opened the festival "Cyprus on the banks of Neva", which main purposes are: the expansion of cultural cooperation between Cyprus and North-West region of the Russian Federation and more deep acquaintance of Russian people with the culture of Cyprus.

This year's opening of the festival was held in the borders of the "Music of Helvetia" programme, a joint project of the Swiss Centre and the hotel "Helvetia".

The event took place in a cosy courtyard of "Helvetia" hotel, whose administration has kindly provided the General Consulate of Cyprus with their support. The central event of the evening was the presentation of Agia Napa's municipality dance team, which demonstrated traditional Cypriot dances. That was the first such performance in the history of St. Petersburg.

After the performance under the support of the hotel "Helvetia" and the general manager Mr. Yunis Teymurhanla was held a reception, which became the beginning of the festival. Admission was honoured with the presence of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Cyprus in the Russian Federation, Mr. Leonidas Pantelidis. Among the guests were officials of the municipality of Agia Napa, the Administration of Saint-Petersburg and Leningrad region, members of consular corps of St. Petersburg, cultural and business community of the city.

The event was held in "Helvetia" hotel, situated on Marata street, 11