The 12th traditional Pulya (Songbird) Festival organised by the Yeniboğaziçi Municipality got underway on Wednesday.
President Ersin Tatar who attended the opening ceremony of the festival said that the area had a great potential for tourism.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting and preserving culture, art and the environment.
The 12th traditional Pulya Festival began on Wednesday evening with a cortege followed by a symbolic ribbon cutting.
This was followed by folkdance shows put on by visiting groups from Türkiye and the lighting of the festival flame by President Ersin Tatar and the Mayor of Yeniboğaziçi Mustafa Zurnacılar.
Delivering an opening speech, Yeniboğaziçi Mayor Mustafa Zurnacılar said that the Pulya, or songbird, had become the symbol of the village which was part of an important tourism area of the country.
Also delivering a speech, the Speaker of Parliament Zorlu Töre congratulated the festival committee and municipality for organising a great event.
President Ersin Tatar also congratulated the festival organisers.
Pointing out that the Turkish Cypriot people had endured great suffering in the past, he said that they enjoyed freedom and independence as a result of the sacrifices made.
Highlighing the area’s tourism potential, Tatar said it was important to protect and preserve culture, art and the environment.