By Heidi Trautmann

When I arrived in Zeytinlik at the VILLAGGIO Arts and Craft Market I saw a drone circling over the festival ground and the photos it took show the true dimensions of the event. Yes, it was a true festival with a great atmosphere among the approximately 60 exhibiting art and craft stands, nicely decorated. The organisation was and is in the hands of Fayka Arseven. The guests constantly flocked in, did the tour among the stands, young families had left their small children in the playground or they stopped at Bedia Kale’s table where she invited the youngsters to come and try their little hands on painting some objects, bowls, plates, bottles and/or decorating them with all kinds of material.

All articles on display were handmade, be it natural soaps – they make nice presents for friends when invited – eco food such as pasta in all colours, jams and … rye bread made with natural flour combination, sour dough and herbs; fresh juices and health teas, kefir and many preserves of whatever grows in the garden…. Women working at their tables on dolls, bags and other things made from natural material, such as mirror frames, baskets, gourd art; furthermore paintings on canvas, cards, woodwork, jewellery for all tastes, colourful cushions and so on and so on; I cannot name them all. I realized that a lot of young people were among the exhibitors and I am happy to see that the old crafts have not been forgotten.

The Villaggio garden is situated above Western Girne with a terrific view all around and the guests had settled at the restaurant tables to watch and enjoy the busy scene.  If I remember well, it was the third event of this kind, with one in summer and one shortly before Christmas.  It is thus arranged that you want to sit down with the exhibiting crowd and be part of it, part of this festival, the atmosphere is casual and comfortable.

When I left the festival ground, the sun had just set and the lights went on and the evening wind from the mountain made the many dreamcatchers dance.