Europe in Brussels part 2: Cyprus

Cypriot national Helena Hadjiyanni came to Brussels six years ago, beginning her professional life here on 1 October 2010. “A special day for us Cypriots”, she says. Why? Because this is the same date that Cyprus celebrates gaining its independence from the United Kingdom in 1960.

Each year in Cyprus, Independence Day is celebrated with a military parade in the capital Nicosia, along with many other gatherings, parades and events in the country.

“It’s a proud day for Cypriots because we finally became independent and formed our own government. Here in Brussels the Permanent Representation will also hold events to commemorate the day with various VIPs attending,” adds Hadjiyanni.

Hailing from Nicosia, Hadjiyanni does miss her homeland, despite saying that Brussels has been a good home for her: “It’s a great place to live and work. The standard of living here is very satisfying by European standards. Being surrounded by international people and other Cypriots, going to events and for after work drinks - there’s always something happening in the city no matter where you go to.”

National pride

One of the highlights so far for Hadjiyanni during her time in Belgium was the coronation of King Philippe in July 2013. The pride and strong sentiments displayed by Belgians surrounding the event strongly resonated with her.

"I really felt the Belgian sentiment of pride for their country," she says. "It reminded me of how we in Cyprus often feel very proud to be Cypriots. Our flag, food, anthem and traditions are priorities for us."

So where can one go to find out more about Cypriot cuisine? Hadjiyanni recommends the Ambelis restaurant in the Montgomery area of the city (Avenue de l'Armée 41), which she says is the most famous Cypriot restaurant in Brussels. “They do great food, it’s very tasty and traditional and I’d definitely recommend it,” she says.

Whenever one discovers other members of the same nationality in a foreign city, especially those from smaller countries, strong bonds are often formed. This is certainly the case with the Cypriot community living in Brussels.

“We find it important to keep the bonds between each other, so there’s always an excuse to meet up. We would have different gatherings among Cypriot expats who have a party every year where they cook traditional food,” explains Hadjiyanni.

Profits from these events go to help the local Cypriot football team in Brussels, Cyprus BXL FC. The club came in to existence in 2005, the year after Cyprus joined the EU. It is an amateur team that represents Cyprus in the BXL Euroleague, which has 22 teams representing different European nationalities based in Brussels with games played in different venues around the city.

Going to expat gatherings and supporting Cyprus BXL FC gives Cypriots a chance to meet up with fellow compatriots, which Hadyiranna said allows them to celebrate their roots.

For more information on Cyprus BXL FC see https://www.facebook.com/cyprusbxlfc/
For the Cypriot embassy see www.mfa.gov.cy/embassybrussels