The second Book Bazaar took place in Larnaca last weekend. The Bazzar was organized by the Association of Shopkeepers of the Historical Shopping Centre.
The local bookstores, publishing houses and authors have participated the book bazaar.
Chrysostomos Moyseos, is one of the bookstore owners, Peridiavasi bookstore, who has contributed to the Bazaar said “Such actions contribute to the development of a love of reading in the city and province of Larnaca, bring young and old people closer to the book and to the professionals in the field, while at the same time giving a new lease of life to the open spaces of our city and its commercial centre. We look forward to the further development of such initiatives and our cooperation with multiple benefits for all”
Konstantinos Lagou, member of the Association of Shopkeepers of the Historical Shopping Centre has explained the objectives of the event.
“The objectives of this event are twofold. The first is to give people an additional motive to come down to the city’s commercial centre to walk and shop in the heart of the city. The second goal is for the books to come to the fore, for the youngest ages to come in touch with them. Unfortunately, books are not that widespread in those ages. But also, to be remembered by the older ages who tend to forget them”he said.
Lagou, spoke to Voice International about the event and the Association’s activities.
QUESTION:What is the purpose of the Shopkeeper’s Association?
LAGOU: The Association of Shopkeepers of the Historical Shopping Centre is one of the associations of POVEK (Cyprus Confederation of Professional Craftsmen and Shopkeepers) in the province of Larnaca and has been active for several years. The purpose of the association is to organize and inform its members about matters related to the Historical Commercial Centre of the city of Larnaca. In this context, it also organizes some of its own activities, such as the recent book bazaar in Ermou Square.
QUESTION:Which actions and initiatives does the Association takes?
LAGOU:The Association is in contact with the rest of the city’s agencies, such as the City Hall and the Cultural Services of the Municipality to discuss issues concerning the Historical Commercial Centre.
One of the following actions is the organization of a Christmas display competition by the shops in the city centre, in consultation with the Larnaca 2030 committee. In an effort to improve the aesthetics derived from a walk through the shops in the centre of Larnaca, shopkeepers will decorate their windows for Christmas for the whole of December, to offer an improved image to visitors.
Also, in January, the association plans to collect food and deliver it to the social grocery store of the city for the second time, dedicated to the memory of the former president of the Association, Akis Stavrou. Food will be collected from two points on Ermou and Zenonos Kitieos streets, where those interested will be able to drive through – like a drive through – and leave their food at the collection points.
QUESTION:This year you organized the 2nd Book Festival. What is the goal and purpose of this event?
LAGOU:The objectives of this event are twofold. The first is to give people an additional motive to come down to the city’s commercial centre to walk and shop in the heart of the city. The second goal is for the books to come to the fore, for the youngest ages to come in touch with them. Unfortunately, books are not that widespread in those ages. But also, to be remembered by the older ages who tend to forget them.
QUESTION: “Books are a uniquely portable magic.”, said the American author, Stephen King. Would you say that this event you reveal the magic of books to the visitors?
LAGOU:I think the result of the event was quite satisfactory since the books that were available covered many categories such as Children’s, Christmas, Classic Novels and novellas, Historical, Political, Philosophical and many others. There were also books in foreign languages, culminating in the presence of a small Bulgarian bookstore on site. At this year’s book bazaar, we were lucky enough to have the Peridiavasi and Academic bookstores and the Almyra and Anonymo publishing houses who honored us with their presence. Also, we thank the Cypriot writers Antonis Zarindas, Christoforos Christoforou and Gianna Costas for their presence, who attended and discussed with the people.
Kallis Antounas-Voice International 2023
