Fun and festivities in Cyprus - celebrations, festivals and cultural events

Many public holidays in Cyprus are religious, connected with the two dominant religions of the Republic: with Orthodox Christianity among Cypriot Greeks and Islam in Northern Cyprus. New Year's holidays are celebrated by both the Greek and Turkish population of the island. On November 15, northerners celebrate the proclamation of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, then, on July 20, it is the Day of Peace and Freedom, during which military parades are held. Many Turkish Cypriots also keep a fast in Ramadan, but fasting is not strict or obligatory since religion is separated from the state.

On the evening of December 24, Cypriots begin celebrating Christmas Eve. By this time, Christmas trees are already dressed up (many Cypriots dress them at the very beginning of December), and Saint Basil put sweets in hanging socks for children. From the beginning of December, the whole country glows with festive lights. Families gather for one of the main feasts of the year. This is the time of Christmas carols, visiting churches, delicious food, and waiting for miracles. On the table of every family, there is a special beautifully decorated Christmas cake with nuts and dried fruit coated with sugar icing.

On the night from December 31 to January 1, Cypriots celebrate the New Year. During this time, people drink a lot of strong drinks, and no celebration is complete without a cake with a coin inside. The one who gets it after cutting the cake will be followed by good fortune in the next year. Celebrants watch New Year's TV shows, make wishes when the clock strikes twelve, and from midnight start launching fireworks to mark the coming year. Many go out to celebrate in the streets when night bars and clubs are overcrowded. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

In Cyprus, Epiphany is celebrated on January 6. According to legend, the expulsion of evil spirits happens on this day. Cypriots bake and eat honey donuts, as well as throw them on the roofs of their houses in order to appease the evil spirits. This ritual is accompanied by asking to eat the treat and disappear. Some celebrants jump into the cold sea water for a cross thrown there by a priest. Lent begins on Clean Monday also known as Green Monday. It is customarily celebrated outdoors, in the fresh air. Celebrants traditionally eat any food except eggs, meat and dairy products; many people fly kites.

Military parades are held in Cyprus on March 25. This is how Greek Independence Day is marked, which serves as a reminder of the beginning of the 1821 Greek war of independence. On April 1, Cyprus National Day is celebrated in memory of the revolt against the British rule on the island. On this holiday, it is customary to attend churches and have a rest. Good Friday is celebrated two days before Easter Sunday, the next day is Holy Saturday. Greeks love Easter holidays and Easter itself for the beautiful weather and blooming flowers. On Easter days, Cypriots go to churches, bake cakes, and paint chicken eggs.

On May 1, Cypriots, like many other nations of the world, celebrate Labor Day recalling the important role of a simple worker in society. The Assumption of the Virgin is celebrated on August 15. Services are held, believers pray to the Virgin Mary in all churches and temples. One of the most important holidays in the country, Cyprus Independence Day, falls on October 1. A military parade is held in the capital in honor of gaining independence from the United Kingdom in 1960. The President lays a wreath at the monument to the first President of Cyprus Makarios III.

Music festivals are mainly held from the beginning of summer to September. In July, "Power of the Night" heavy metal festival gathers local metal performers and their fans in one place. Every August, Balkan music and jazz are celebrated at "Windcraft Music Fest" in the capital, where ethnic cultures of different nations and American jazz motifs blend together. In July, three-day “Loud Music Festival” takes place in Limassol, where electronic music and rhythm and blues musicians perform. In August, Fengaros Festival in Larnaca attracts performers from all over the world, mainly indie bands. Reggae fans should not ignore Paphos Reggae Sunjam in early August.