Larnaca 2030, the organization running for the title of European Capital of Culture, aims to activate the city through love and expression on paper with Larnaka’s Love Letters project.
The organization has placed thirty mailboxes at various points in the city and province, inviting citizens of all ages to write and send love letters throughout February, the most romantic month of the year.
The number 30, the organization explains, is not random, as it symbolizes the year of the European Capital of Culture title.
The mailboxes are provided by the Cyprus Post and have been placed in local businesses, meeting points, and educational institutions through the collaboration of the Ministry of Education.
The idea for Larnaka’s Love Letters belongs to journalist, creative writing enthusiast, and chief editor of SkalaTimes, Yiota Dimitriou, who is overseeing the project.
As stated in the organization’s announcement, “This extensive network of mailboxes will give people the opportunity to express their love to anyone or anything they desire.”
The sender’s name is not necessary, as anonymity is expected to encourage more participation.
“The letters can be addressed to a partner, spouse, friend, mother, father, or anyone, even to God, as long as they are love letters,” the announcement notes.
The first letter was dropped by the Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, on the morning of February 1st at the mailbox located at the Cyprus Duty-Free store at Larnaca Airport.
During the project, a lecture will be given by academic Dr. Yiota Demetriou under the title “Digital Declarations and the Future of Love Letters.”
Dr. Demetriou, originally from Larnaca, lives and works in the UK.
She is an artist, academic, author, and specialized designer. She is also a co-founder of the Performance and Live Art Platform Cyprus (2011-13), a platform that promoted performance art in Cyprus.
Location points of mailboxes:
Cyprus Duty-Free Larnaca Airport, Kato Drys Primary School, Prodromou Primary School, Gymnasium of Petraki Kyprianou, Lyceum of Livadia, Technical School of Larnaca, American Academy Larnaca, Royals Maria Toumazou English Institute, G. Paparides Mathematics Institute, Gerolemou Conservatory, Municipality of Larnaca, Municipality of Livadia, Municipality of Lefkara, Oroklini Community Council, “To Kantouni” Café (Troulloi), Kiti Community Council, Pyla Community Council, Pierides Museum, Radisson Blu Hotel, Indigo hotel, Aldente Phinikoudes, Coffee Corner Phinikoudes, Aldente Metropolis Mall, Bricolage, Foodhaus, Bookstore Vivliokosmos, Vivid, Larnaca Marina, Stavris Kitchen, Care Act.
