Prastio Avdimou
Village of the halloumi festival, a cheese protected by the EU
The story
Prastio Avdimou is a small village in the hills in the west of Limassol District. The second part of the name points to neighboring Avdimou and sets it apart from other villages called Prastio. For several years now, a festival of halloumi made from sheep’s and goat’s milk has been held here. It is organized by the community council and the village associations, and the main sponsor is the Cyprus tourism authority. In 2026 the festival took place on May 3, with halloumi-making demonstrations, a workshop on trahanas, a grain made from cracked wheat and sour milk, plus music and folk dancing. In 2021 the EU registered halloumi as a protected designation of origin, known as PDO. This means only cheese from Cyprus made by the approved rules can carry the name. It is protected under three names: in Greek letters, as Halloumi, and as Hellim.
Halloumi is a traditional Cypriot product; in 2021 the EU registered it as a protected designation of origin (PDO) under three names: the Greek Χαλλούμι, Halloumi and the Turkish Hellim. One of the halloumi festivals is held in Prastio Avdimou, in Limassol District.
Visiting
In 2026 the festival took place on May 3, 11:00–19:00, free entry, at the village’s multipurpose center and on the square around it. Check the date of the next one on visitcyprus.com or with the community council.
On the way
Sources
- eAmbrosia, the EU register of geographical indications: Χαλλούμι / Halloumi / Hellim, PDO-CY-01243
- The organizers’ 2026 festival program (PDF on visitcyprus.com)
- Deputy Ministry of Tourism (visitcyprus.com): Traditional Sheep & Goat Halloumi Festival, 3.5.2026
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