Two festivals, half a century of heritage
Two festivals a year: the Strawberry Festival, filling Yeşilırmak's village square every spring since 1973; and the Verigo Festival, a summer celebration of Cyprus's native grape on the Yedidalga coast. Both are free, and both bring regional growers and visitors onto the same square.
Strawberry Festival
A tradition alive since 1973.
How it began
The first Strawberry Festival took place in 1973, organised jointly by the Yeşilırmak militia command and local civilians. For the people of Yağmuralan, Süleymaniye, Eşebakan, Günebakan, Kurutepe, and Yörükköy, the festival was a source of joy and morale in difficult years.
The festival was held again in 1974 with equal enthusiasm. But the Peace Operation that began in July of that year and the period that followed broke its rhythm. After a final edition in 1977, the festival entered a long pause.
The revival
After 34 years, in 2011, the Yeşilırmak-Yedidalga Producers' Association revived the festival under the "Strawberry Country" project. Since then the festival has been held every May, and its crowds have grown year by year.
What happens at the festival
Over two days in the village square:
- Regional producers open stalls selling fresh strawberries, jams, preserves, and local specialties
- Folk dance troupes, including the Lefke Municipality ensemble, perform traditional dances
- Live music, concerts, and the opening ceremony take place on stage
- Activities are organised for children
- Artisans from Yeşilırmak and Yedidalga display their handmade goods
Before you come
Yeşilırmak village is reached via Lefke. During festival days, local restaurants (Asmalı Plaj, Dillirga Restaurant, Vouni King) operate at full capacity. If you plan to buy strawberries to take home, we recommend bringing a cool bag in your car — the freshness is worth preserving.
For the latest programme and timing details, follow our news page and the "Çilek Festivali" page on Facebook.
Verigo Festival
A summer celebration of Cyprus's native grape.
Where the name "verigo" comes from
Locals tell a story passed down through generations.
In the early years of British rule, a newly appointed governor toured the villages of the island to familiarise himself with the region. One summer day, his road brought him to a lush green village near Yeşilırmak. The villagers received the governor beneath the cool shade of a grape arbour. Overwhelmed by the famous Cypriot heat, the governor noticed the plump, generous clusters of grapes hanging above him and tasted one.
"Very good," he said. "Very good."
Only the village schoolteacher spoke a little English, and even he couldn't quite make out what was said. When the villagers pressed him, he answered, "He said 'verigo,' verigo."
From that day to this, the grape has been called verigo.
Whether the story is true is beside the point. What matters is that it has become a charming part of our culture — and that it makes people smile whenever it's told.
What happens at the festival
The festival opens with a procession from the village square of Yedidalga down to the public beach, joined by regional associations, civic groups, and invited guests. Then, on the beach:
- Opening speeches and ribbon-cutting
- A 1-kilometre swimming competition for men and women (medals and trophies for top finishers)
- Folk dance performances by the Lefke Municipality ensemble, GASAD, and Seç-Der
- Stalls by regional producers selling verigo grapes, hellim cheese, çörek, paluze dessert, and other local specialties
- Live music and evening programmes
The festival contributes meaningfully to the region's economy and producer culture. In past years it has been attended at the level of state protocol and the Presidency.
Dates
2026 dates will be announced soon. Follow our news page for updates.
Get in touch
For festival attendance, producer stalls, or collaboration, reach out to the association directly.