The 10th Rainbow Festival
5th December 2007
By Pinky Nieves
People of different origin who are now in Cyprus have observed an occasion which is dubbed as the 10th year Rainbow Festival last November 4, 2007 in Nicosia and November 11, 2007 in Limassol respectively. The festival which was graced by the presence of the Guest speaker Nicosia Mayor Eleni Mavrou was organized by KISA- Action for Equality, Support, Anti-racism in cooperation with Cypriot organization and migrants, asylum seekers, refugees and student community..
According to KISA, “The 10th Rainbow Festival this year is part of “2007 European Year of Equal Opportunities for all. We claim the right of all human being to dream, irrespective of race, color, ethnic background, religion, community and gender. This festival gives life to dream. With music, dances, creative happening, food, jolly children’s voices from all over the world, the most colorful celebration of multicultural and anti racism in Cyprus is a living testimony that people can dream together, contrary to the racist bigolatry that poison our daily lives.
The program started at 12:00 noon with the opening number from the Filipino community, the curacha dancers, next the tinikling dance from the girls of SJA Social Center, followed by the Congo dance. Annabel sung Nosi ba lasi and a pinoy rock and roll song with her daughter on the stage that entertained and applauded by the audience. Nanay Remy sung her undying Hindi ako laruan and an Anna Vissi version song. The OFW Family club also rendered medley pinoy songs. Followed by a song number by the rapper Hadji-Mike, then a dance from the Indian-Pakistan community, song and dance from the Kurds community, and another dance from Congo group. An elegant costume and lovely traditional dance rendered by the Turkish Cypriot group which called the “Dance for Peace.â€? Everyone enjoyed the music, songs and dances by the migrants, asylum seekers, foreign students and Cypriots. There was also exhibition and information stands, a children’s corner, a bazaar, food from various countries and refreshments.