Giant potato statue in Xylofagou toppled by extreme weather

A 4.9-meter fiberglass statue of a potato, located in the village of Xylofagou in the Larnaca district, collapsed on the weekend due to extreme weather conditions. Strong winds and rain reported on Saturday and Sunday caused the landmark to fall off its stand. The monument, designed by community leader George Tasou and erected in October 2021, was intended to celebrate the region's red-soil potato agricultural heritage. Inspired by a fish statue in Belfast, the sculpture has drawn both tourism and controversy since its installation. Following reports of vandalism in 2021, the municipality had previously installed a surveillance system to protect the site. As of Monday morning, the municipality confirmed that the statue has not yet been repaired or restored to its original position. No injuries or collateral damage were reported alongside the collapse of the structure.