Press Releases

The Department of Antiquities, Ministry of Transport, Communications and Works, announces that on the 2^nd of April, on the occasion of International Autism Awareness Day, it will participate in the Light it Up Blue worldwide campaign, once more. By lighting blue important ancient monuments and museums throughout the island, the Department of Antiquities aims at raising social awareness with regards to the difficulties faced by persons in the Autism spectrum and their families. Once again, this endeavor will highlight the fundamental right for inclusion in all facets of life, the need for continuous education and a decent life, especially for when the parents will not be in the position to support their children.

Unfortunately, this year’s pandemic and the difficult times faced across the globe, as well as the potential dangerous consequences of the coronavirus, bring these social issues, and the need for an immediate solution, to the fore. The concern of the entire society, within these circumstances, must primarily be the protection of all vulnerable groups, including people with health conditions and the elderly. For this reason, the Department of Antiquities has decided to dedicate this year’s blue lighting to all our fellow men and women that are currently at risk, together with people on the Autism spectrum, hoping to pass on the message of strength, patience and love.

The museums that will be lit up blue are the Cyprus Museum in Lefkosia, the Archaeological Museum of the Lemesos District, and the Local Archaeological Museum of Marion-Arsinoe in Polis. Moreover, the Castles of Kolossi, Pafos, Lemesos, and Larnaka, as well as the Medieval Manor House at Kouklia, and the archaeological sites of Choirokoitia and Amathous, will also be illuminated in blue. Most importantly, the Department of Antiquities urges everyone to obey the measures imposed by the Republic of Cyprus for the safety of the entire society. The blue light of our museums and monuments will still lighten up our souls, while we stay and protect ourselves at home.

Finally, by lighting up blue our monuments and museums, the Department of Antiquities wishes to underline that, even under these unprecedented conditions, our cultural heritage continues to comprise the vibrant nucleus of our society. It is through the values of our cultural heritage that we can achieve social cohesion, individual responsibility and solidarity. Our heritage, lit up in blue on the 2^nd of April, will symbolize our hope and support to people with Autism and other disabilities, underlying health conditions and difficulties in general, as well as to all our fellow women and men. It will transfer the message that we can win this pandemic, through our attitude and support towards doctors, nurses and other medical staff that are currently fighting this coronavirus outbreak. A better world can only be created based on solidarity, understanding, and the broader universal human values, that we aim at preserving through the protection of our cultural heritage.

(SCH/ΙΚ)