ACTIVITIES
13th OF JULY - THURSDAY
14th OF JULY - FRIDAY
ABR CHOIR
The ABR Choir is back for another year of making music together as a community of magic people. Led by professional choir conductor, Isavella Christofidou, the workshop is for all ages and all musical or vocal abilities, combining easy-to-learn African American songs, easy harmonies, circle singing, body percussion and more. At its heart the choir is about connecting all people in a non-judgmental environment, to share a joyful, powerful and immersive moment of togetherness and unity. In past years the workshop has been described as refreshing, energising, stimulating, and a way of discovering a new freedom, so why not give it a go and raise your voices together for culture in Cyprus! Let’s go! DURATION: 60 minutes AGES: From 3 to 103
SILENCE IN THE AGORA
Welcome to the Agora, a mobile structure designed by Urban Gorillas, that aims to enhance publicness by providing a platform for diverse voices to express themselves. In the Afro Banana edition, the Agora transforms into a space where free expression occurs through non-verbal means. Step into a haven of tranquillity, where you can engage in introspection, recharge your spirit, and connect with others through written communication on the provided boards. The concept of communication in absolute silence was created by Japanese artists orangcosong, who will be performing their piece "Hitsudankai - From now/here, Silence" on Friday 14th of July. When in this area: - Don’t speak. - Maintain silence throughout your stay. - Feel free to express yourself in any language or through drawings. - Communicate with other festival-goers by exchanging messages on the boards
ENERGIZE AND UPLIFT!
Start your morning at AfroBanana as you mean to go on, by awakening the senses through an energising vinyasa yoga flow led by Derek Doritis. Rise and shine, over a revitalising hour of body movement, as Derek guides you through a dynamic yoga journey that will uplift your spirit. Just don’t forget your yoga mat. Trained in Ashtanga Vinyasa in India and in Hatha Yoga in England, Derek is on a mission to inspire magic people to live with love and light. And he brings impressive knowledge and expertise to this transformative session. DURATION: 1 hour AGES: 10+
15th OF JULY - SATURDAY
TAI CHI
Often described as moving meditation, Tai Chi aims to nurture a harmonious balance and coordination between mind and body. And certified Tai Chi practitioner Alexis Karkotis will share the mystery and charm of this ancient art form with all magic people at an engaging workshop at AfroBanana. You’ll learn and practice a series of moves, working towards an uninterrupted flow of circular and relaxed movements. Feel the tension melt away and your nervous system find peace, as your body strengthens in preparation for the dancing to come! Includes 15 min of QiGong. DURATION: 60 minutes AGES: Adults
DRUM CIRCLE WITH AFLA & ALEXIS
Our workshop led by Ghanaian master musician Afla Sackey, of headlining duo Raz & Afla, will start with an exposition of Ghanaian signature rhythms before we gradually build up to a drum circle. Join in with your djembe, or anything that can be used as a percussion, and come make some noise together or dance to the rhythm of our beats.
TERRA CYPRIA BIODIVERSITY HIKE
Biodiversity Hike with Terra Cypria: Unveiling Nature's Secrets at Lefkara Reservoir - Come on a hiking adventure at the magical Lefkara Reservoir, where nature's beauty unfolds. Guided by Terra Cypria's resident biodiversity expert Zoe Makridou we will explore the rich variety of plant and animal species that call this protected area their home and learn about the importance of protected areas and the pressures they are under. Part of our collaborative efforts with local environmental organisations to show everyone how they can live in magic but also keep the magic by fostering our green thinking. Please remember - it will probably be quite hot so don't forget to bring appropriate footwear, sun protection, and, of course, plenty of water. Meeting point: https://goo.gl/maps/8emyuhvV2CQkB7Cm6
ACROYOGA WITH ELENA & MARGARITA
Have you always wanted to try AcroYoga? Well AfroBanana is the place to explore sensory experiences outside of your everyday. Certified yoga instructors Elena and Margarita invite all magic people to come and explore the world of upside down in this super fun workshop that combines the gentleness of yoga, with the excitement of acrobatics. It is about creating simple and elegant transitions that we evolve into a sense of dance. Bringing people together through movement, connection and play, the workshop is for all levels. Just be ready to laugh, explore and feel free. DURATION: 90 minutes AGES: For all
WORLD VOICES
Children first learn about the world through music; and this engaging workshop will be one of those lessons they never forget! Send your intrepid young Bananians on a musical voyage around the world with Maria Kramvi; and along the way, they’ll be introduced to new melodies, beats and rhythms from places and cultures beyond their wildest dreams. It’s all about inspiring creative expression and igniting cultural curiosity in the next generation, showing them how to use musical instruments, their bodies and their voices to express themselves, in a safe environment where everyone is equal and team work is encouraged. DURATION: 1 hour AGES: 6 to 10
16th OF JULY - SUNDAY
LAUGHTER YOGA FOR FAMILIES
Experience contagious joy and laughter at AfroBanana this year, with a unique Laughter Yoga for Families workshop. You know how children laugh around 400 times a day? Well, get ready to rediscover that childhood feeling of pure joy as certified instructors guides you through simple breathing techniques and laughter exercises that are suitable for children of all ages. Embrace the power of laughter and let it spread through the festival and throughout Cyprus in an uplifting and playful experience, that will leave you full of laughter and happiness. AGES: From 3 to 103 DURATION: 60 minutes
MESSY PRINTS FOR KIDS WITH MOTIVW
Come along to our messy workshop for kids ages 2-12, and create some colourful prints to take back home with you. Bring your old t-shirts for some upcycling action, revamping them with fresh prints and stamps to cover up those stains or make your own festival cards and postcards. It will be messy* but so much fun that the adults will probably wanna join in. *so don’t wear your best clothes (or cover up) AGES: From 2 to 12 DURATION: 60 minutes
MODULACT RECYCLED PLASTICS WORKSHOP
Join us as we come up with innovative solutions and fresh ideas for upcycling plastics. Together we can turn what would be rubbish into something magical. With practical and imaginative thinking we can turn rubbish into shade, into beauty, into art to be placed around the festival. Part of our ModulAct showcase, a project that is co-funded by the European Union and aims to help the festival reach zero-waste. AGES: From 3 to 103 Duration: 90 minutes
AKTI WORKSHOP (TIGANOKINISI)
Circular Economy Demo & Workshop by AKTI - The Tiganokinisi caravan comes to AfroBanana! This whizzy mobile learning unit will be with us from 10.00-14.00 on Sunday morning demonstrating sustainable living practices through interactive science experiments focusing on used cooking oil recycling, energy and water conservation, and composting. And they will even be collecting our used cooking oil at the festival. At 12.00 AKTI's educators will be running a structured workshop on the benefits of circular economy, showcasing their experience of turning toxic waste (used cooking oil) into biodiesel & glycerine, two products of immense value, while raising awareness and funds for schools across the island. DURATION: From 10:00-14:00 LOCATION: STADIUM