Customs and Tradition

Carnivals & Festivals have long been part of the Cypriot tradition. Most of them take place prior to the Greek Orthodox Easter, prior to Lent. Limassol is widely known as the host for most festivals with others taking place in Paphos and Larnaca.

One of the main festivals is ‘Kataklysmos’ (Flood Festival), a five day festival at the start of lent, taking place in all coastal areas with the biggest celebration being in Larnaca. People take part in a joyous parade making their way to the sea where people sprinkle water on each other. A celebration associated with the resurrection of St. Lazarus.

St. Paul’s festival is celebrated in Paphos on June 28th & 29th, a tribute to the Apostle who journeyed to Cyprus having left Jerusalem.

The wine festival, one of the biggest in Limassol is annually celebrated during the month of September. A ten day festival overflowing with locally produced wines to commemorate the thriving longevity of fruit vines that grow in Cyprus. A feast of drinking, eating & dancing and traditional folk music accompany this unique Cypriot festival.

Cyprus displays many of it’s traditional cultures in song and dance which differ from those of Greece, many of which refer to village courtship and rituals. Typically displayed during festivals and many weddings, both men and women dance in traditional costume.