Street Food Festival Marks End of Summer in Maroni with a Bang!

As the sun faded into the west, giving way to a velvety night sky, my husband, our toddler, and I arrived in Maroni for the street food festival, which marked the end of summer and the beginning of fall. The night was warm and humid, typical for this time of year. The air was thick with the scent of roasting and simmering foods, making the atmosphere even warmer. Yet, we were far from discouraged. On the contrary, this being our first time attending the event, now in its third year, we were excited to soak it all in.

Unlike other weekend evenings, this Saturday event transformed the normally quiet community into a bustling crowd filled with joy and enthusiasm. At the entrance, we were greeted with a vibrant display of fresh fruits and vegetables, showcasing the village’s rich farming culture. As an agricultural village, this set the tone for the night—there would be plenty of food and delicacies to enjoy.

Sights, Sounds, and Smells

The lively atmosphere was complemented by the sounds of traditional music as jovial locals and visitors from neighbouring villages like Zygi, Psematismos, and larger towns like Larnaca and Limassol joined the festivities. Tourists mingled among the crowds as chefs, farmers, and merchants showcased their culinary expertise and artisanal products.

Maroni’s Annual Street Food Extravaganza

The enticing aromas of food, spices, candles, and essential oils filled the air as we strolled through the narrow streets of Agios Georgiou Street, Tassos Mitsopoulos Square, and Daskalou Argiridis Square—the three main locations of the festival. Renowned chefs demonstrated their mastery of Cypriot cuisine, using fresh local ingredients. Among the delicious street foods we tried were sheftalies and afelia, while souvlaki, halloumi in pita, and village macaroni were other favourites. There was no shortage of options for everyone, including vegan dishes.

Edition Finesse’s Autumn Menu

Local eateries, including The Old Coffee Shop and Enoiteca Edition Finesse, were abuzz with activity, welcoming both new and returning customers. Though navigating the narrow, historic alleys where Enoiteca Edition Finesse is located can be challenging—these paths were designed for donkeys and pedestrians—the journey was worth it. Perched atop a hill in the heart of Maroni, the restaurant offered not only a delightful menu of international and local cuisine but also stunning views of the Maroni Valley stretching out to the sea. Some guests enjoyed their meals at the festival, while others were drawn to Edition Finesse for a sneak peek of the new autumn menu, FILOTMIO. One highlight was the free tasting of “Oxtapodi Stifado”, a special dish prepared exclusively for the festival by owner Christoph Heckenbücker. His excitement was contagious as he presented the new creations to the eager crowd.

Music and Dance: The Heartbeat of the Festival

No festival is complete without music! 

Solo musicians, traditional bands, and dancers performed across the festival’s stages, serenading revellers who couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. 

While enjoying our meal at the square, a vendor and his family broke into an impromptu dance, their joy spreading through the crowd as everyone joined in to celebrate the family’s favourite Greek songs.

Discovering Unique Vendors and Artisan Creations

As we made our way between festival squares, we came across small and large-scale vendors, all proudly displaying their merchandise. The event was a feast for the eyes as much as it was for the tastebuds. There were stalls filled with handicrafts, jewellery, and other unique items made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

The festival was also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. I was thrilled to bump into Charis Christophorou, the proud owner of “To Perivoli Tou Theodorou”, who was showcasing his renowned Marova olive oil and newly launched herbal teas (Teo). As we caught up, he enthusiastically offered samples of his products to curious visitors.

Reconnecting with Familiar Faces and Making New Friends

As we made our way between festival squares, we came across small and large-scale vendors, all proudly displaying their merchandise. The event was a feast for the eyes as much as it was for the tastebuds. There were stalls filled with handicrafts, jewellery, and other unique items made from sustainable and eco-friendly materials.

The festival was also an opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. I was thrilled to bump into Charis Christophorou, the proud owner of “To Perivoli Tou Theodorou”, who was showcasing his renowned Marova olive oil and newly launched herbal teas (Teo). As we caught up, he enthusiastically offered samples of his products to curious visitors.

A little while later, my husband had his own surprise reunion. He ran into an old classmate from his elementary school days, and despite the decades that had passed, their features were still familiar enough to spark an easy conversation.

One of the most fascinating encounters of the night, however, was meeting Christina Christofi, the Cypriot finalist of Master Chef. As we walked down the street, I noticed a crowd gathering around a young woman wearing a chef’s apron. Snapping a few photos, it dawned on me that I had just photographed the renowned chef. Christina was charming and approachable, happy to chat with anyone curious about her culinary journey.

The festival also showcased the creativity of local artisans. Maria Foti, the founder of Marel Candles, caught my attention with her beautiful collection of scented candles. Her stand was located along the cobbled streets of Agios Georgiou, and the sweet fragrance of her grapefruit-scented home freshener drew me in. I bought one, and after weeks of use, I can confidently say it was a fantastic choice. My home now smells fresh with hints of fruity and woody notes.

A Family-Friendly Festival Filled with Joy and New Friendships

But the real magic of the night came from the unexpected connections we made. As we finished our meal, a young girl took a keen interest in our son. She approached him, trying to get his attention with soft touches and cooing sounds. At first, he was shy and ran away, but with a little encouragement, they became fast friends. This gave us a chance to meet and talk to her parents, another example of how the street food festival brings people together.

Though our little one still had energy to burn, we decided to call it a night and head back to Limassol. By 10 p.m., the festivities were winding down, but small groups of people remained, still laughing and enjoying the last bites of local delicacies.

This year’s Street Food Festival in Maroni not only marked the end of summer but also served as a reminder of the warmth and joy that community events like this bring. We left with full bellies, happy hearts, and memories to last until the next festival.