Participation in this action aims at raising public awareness regarding the problems involving preterm birth. This year, the Department of Antiquities had lilt the Cyprus Museum in Nicosia and the Medieval Castles of Lemesos and Pafos with the colour purple.

By lighting the Cyprus Museum and these monuments in the colour which symbolises prematurity, the Department of Antiquities wishes to highlight that cultural heritage is an integral part of our society and the link between the past and the future, so as to ensure social cohesion and growth.

In our days, given the unprecedented conditions in everyday life resulting from the pandemic, this role of culture becomes even more apparent and crucial. In fact, the archaeological heritage comprises the par excellence tangible evidence of the entire journey of humanity through the centuries; thus, the purple lighting of our archaeological heritage will at the same time light up the need to protect the human values, from the moment of birth.