Cyprus is a beautiful and friendly island, famous for its hospitality. Here the nature of paradise and climate , smiling people and a warm atmosphere, which is especially needed by those who are far from their relatives. But the hot beaches and magnificent nature are not all that the island of Cyprus can offer. There are so many different holidays that the Cypriots always celebrate brightly and beautifully, in a big way. Therefore, tourists who are here during any celebration, become a part of it, taking part in mass festivities and trying all kinds of treats. In Cyprus, one way or another celebrate about forty holidays, and each of them is special.
Traditional celebrations of the island
Religious holidays in Cyprus are many, most of them are declared state.
Feature of Epiphany, which has the second name of the Feast of Light - in the ritual of water consecration, and the church festive procession can be observed on January 24, when celebrate the Day of St. Neophyte.
In the early days of spring, you can see fervent festivities. This means that the Cyprian Carnival begins, which is called Apocrypha. Noisy carnivals do not stop for ten days.
The people of Cyprus, who are very proud of their independence, often organize parades, alternating with sports competitions. In this you can see for yourself the Independence Day of Greece in Cyprus, which local residents celebrate in March, 25th. The national holiday of Cyprus, the festival of which falls on the first of April, is also characterized by colorful processions and sports competitions. Yes, and the triumph of May Day from them does not lag behind.
But after this fun holidays in Cyprus do not end. It is very anxious to celebrate Lazarev on Saturday and then Palm Sunday, since St. Lazarus was originally the patron of the island. But the church does not consecrate the willow branches, as we do, but the branches of a palm tree or olive tree. Also a day off in Cyprus is Good Friday - this is the day of preparation for Easter. Traditional is the coloring of eggs with red paint, and a roasted lamb is mandatory on any table.
Another bright and enchanting holiday, existing here - Anfestia. This name is a festival of flowers. It is celebrated in early May, the sixth day. Beautiful bouquets are decorated with streets, houses, cars, and the girls make wreaths, weaving wild flowers into them, adding herbs and garlic. Such unusual weaving, according to legends, drives away evil spirits from them.
The Trinity is celebrated in one day with the Cataclysmos. But, despite the terrible name, it's just a holiday of water, which will be remembered for all guests of the country by a colorful dance festival.
In the hottest season, in the middle of summer, you can participate in the Festival of Beer, which takes place on one of the main resorts of Cyprus - in Limassol , it lasts three days. The last significant holiday of the summer period is the Day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, celebrated on the fifteenth of August. And then, already in September, on the 14th, another church festival is celebrated - the Exaltation.
The first of October is the celebration of the Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus, when in Nicosia, which is the capital, a military parade is held, followed by mass popular fun.
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Christmas Holidays in Cyprus
Christmas on the island is a home and a quiet holiday, it is customary to celebrate with the family. On this day the island is decorated with icons of Mary with a baby and huge billboards with congratulations, as well as compositions depicting the birth of Christ. Cypriots are proud that they have this celebration.
On the traditional table you can see seafood, fish and various snacks with olive oil. In homes put live pines or plastic Christmas trees. Beautiful trees in tubs, which can then be landed, in Cyprus are also popular. In the morning, December 25, there is a service in the church, which the family goes to. And continues all the feast with obligatory chicken soup and Cypriot bread tsurekka. In the evening, traditional festivities are held with games.
In Cyprus, there are still villages in which it is not customary to close the doors that night so that Maria with the child could look into the house. And in many houses it smells of baked bread, it is called "the bread of Christ". This homemade round bread, which is decorated with a cross, it is divided into all, leaving a piece of Christ. Earlier, in the villages, they were treated to all the inhabitants of the yard, including domestic animals. Bread is baked as a symbol that shows the unity of the people with the church.
Of course, Christmas holidays in Cyprus can not do without merry Christmas carols, which are called kananda. And adult members of the family visit the graves of their relatives and pray for the repose of their souls.
If you are going to meet Christmas holidays in Cyprus, then you know that there is a belief that says that on Christmas Eve there are evil gnomes living underground, and the only thing that can be done to be saved from them is to cross oneself. And this evil spirits disappear, according to popular beliefs, only before Baptism.
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New Year's holidays in Cyprus
Christmas celebrations last until the New Year. And during the New Year's Eve the family, standing in a circle and taking each other by the hands, sings "Kali cronya", exchanging warm wishes then. The celebration continues with a New Year's pie. It is also customary during the winter holidays to light a fireplace and burn a spruce or olive tree in it.
On January 6, except Epiphany, Cyprus celebrates the day of St. Epiphany. The holiday is of great importance, since the saint is considered a Cypriot patron. During this celebration, it is customary to consecrate water in reservoirs and churches.
Preparations for Christmas and New Year in Cyprus, as in many countries, begin in advance. Already a month before the start of the festivities, the towns and villages are decorated with their streets, cafes, shops. The first signs of swift celebrations are bright "Christmas stars", flowers appearing in the windows of houses and right on the sidewalks, giving a sense of magic. On the streets there are festive advertising posters and a lot of stalls with all sorts of sweets. The whole island sinks into an atmosphere of waiting and hassle.
A characteristic feature of the approach of holidays is discounts in stores and a large crowd of people who are looking for gifts. Cypriots dress up as a Christmas tree, and small boats, symbolizing the sea. You can also admire the streets with bright decorations on the trees.
Instead of Santa Claus in Cyprus, there is Agios Vasilis, who also brings a huge bag with gifts. And for him, under the Christmas tree, always leave a glass of good wine and a pie with a hidden inside coin. The morning slice of the pie with her promises to make the person he got lucky with. On holidays in Cyprus you can see bright things. In the caves of Pafoca there is a theatrical production, narrating about the Genius of Christ.
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