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Greek mythology
Dionysus, whom the Romans called
Bacchus, was the god of wine in Greek mythology.
He was conceived by the king of the gods, Zeus,
and Semele, the princess of Thebes, but was born
prematurely. Zeus saved the child by sewing it
up in his thigh until it developed to maturity.
When the fetus was full term, Zeus sent the infant
to be raised by the nymphs of Nysa, a place where
the finest grapes in all the universe grew. Dionysus
grew into a young man who loved travel and adventure.
He wandered all over the earth, and taught humans
how to turn the juice of grapes into an intoxicating
beverage called wine.
He has come to represent not only
the intoxicating power of wine, but also its social
and beneficent influences, so that he is viewed
as the promoter of civilization, and lover of
peace. Dionysus is honoured in festivities that
feature tasting new wines, dancing, singing and
acting in comical and satirical plays. Since the
antiquities these celebrations became known as
Dionysias.
Our Dionysia, a festival of food
and wine for the entire family, is a tribute to
the tradition of Dionysiac celebrations. It furthermore
commemorates and mirrors the Cypriot Wine Festival
of Limassol.
The Limassol
Wine Festival
On the 16th of August 1960 Cyprus
became an independent country. After a year of
independence the first Wine Festival was held
in Limassol. For many years prior to 1961 the
organization of such a festival had been a matter
of great discussion and consideration by the vine
industries, local associations and other interested
parties. In 1961, the late Cleanthis Christoforou,
Chairman of the Limassol Development Association
submitted his plan for the Wine Festival to the
Association. The idea of the Festival was met
with great enthusiasm. It was decided to create
an original spectacle with local colour. The Wine
Festival was held at the Municipal Gardens and
local amateur actors, artists, musicians, dancing,
and singing groups offered their talents. In addition,
local wineries (ETKO, KEO, SODAP, and LOEL) all
gave their assistance and offered all their wines
free of charge. Decorations depicted a Cypriot
village with café, tavern and other local
scenes.
The primary purpose of the Festival
was the promotion of Cypriot wine in the local
and foreign market, and at the same time to offer
entertainment to local people and visitors to
Cyprus.
Since then the Wine Festival has
been established as an annual event. Every year
thousands of tourists, as well as local visitors
from all over Cyprus, are attracted to Limassol’s
Municipal Gardens to participate in the Wine Festival.
Some 15,000 visitors come each year to taste,
free of charge, an assortment of wines, to enjoy
the warm atmosphere, feast on delicious local
dishes and be entertained by local dancers, songs
and plays.
The Greek-Cypriot Community of
Waterloo Region is delighted to welcome you to
Waterloo’s 11th Dionysia. May it free you
from the cares of everyday life as you join in
responsible merry-making.
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