THE INSTALLATION OF CHRISTMAS TREES
EPIPHANY CELEBRATED ON JUNE 6TH
The first snowfalls in the Troodos Mountains usually occur in December. This brings winter sports such as SKIING AND SNOWBOARDING to the mountains. Families across the island traditionally spend a day visiting the mountainous winter wonderland after the snows fall.
A TYPICAL CHRISTMAS LUNCH
FESTIVE ACTIVITIES ACROSS CYPRUS
The traditional 40 days of fasting end on Christmas Day, and families usually gather for a FESTIVE LUNCH on Christmas Day. This usually features traditional Cypriot offerings along with other more traditional festive foods, and of course, a Cyprus souvla.
CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS & THE NEW YEAR
CYPRIOT SHORTBREADS & MACAROONS
Most households bake traditional festive treats, such as CYPRIOT SHORTBREADS and HONEY MACAROONS. Another Christmas favourite is AVGOLEMONO SOUP. This hearty chicken-based soup made with rice, egg, and lemon is very popular during the festive season.
CHRISTMAS PARADES
CHRISTMAS VILLAGES
The festive period is also known as the ‘dangerous days’ according to folklore. This is when mischievous goblins called ‘KALLIANTZAROI’ emerge to create chaos and cause arguments.
A MEANINGFUL CHRISTMAS ACROSS THE ISLAND
Christmas can be a meaningful and spiritual experience for many on the island. With this in mind, it is usually celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy every year. Festivities usually start in late November and continue through to early January. Christmas in Cyprus is a family affair, and there are many things to do and places to visit during the festive period.
A TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS DINNER WITH AN ADDITIONAL CYPRIOT TOUCH
Food and drink also make up a huge part of the festive celebrations across the island. There are several traditional dishes that are served along with the turkey at Christmas dinner. Cypriot households often also barbecue at Christmas, and special, often homemade, sweet cookies and short breads are given to neighbouring households as gifts. This represents community and goodwill within each neighbourhood.
CHRISTMAS PROCESSIONS & OTHER EVENTS
Cyprus is predominantly a Greek Orthodox Christian country, and attending a church service during Christmas is common. Some villages hold a traditional Christmas procession on Christmas Day after the main church service. This is when people dress up in festive costumes and then parade through the streets. Several villages and towns also host Christmas markets on various dates during the festive season. There are also a number of Christmas concerts and performances staged in local theatres, and there are usually numerous children’s Christmas workshops and shows that are held across the island.
NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS
Family and friends tend to gather across the island, and fireworks are often used to welcome the New Year. Households tend to bake a VASILOPITA, which uses a special coin hidden in a special homemade sponge cake that is offered to all guests after midnight. The person who finds the coin in their slice is said to have good luck for the coming year. Many villages and towns host public celebrations with live music and other entertainment on both New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
EPIPHANY CELEBRATIONS
The festive season is brought to a close by EPIPHANY, which is celebrated on January 6th. It is a significant religious holiday in the Orthodox calendar and commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ. On this day, the Greek Orthodox Church holds special services, and some coastal areas conduct a ceremony by the sea. This ceremony symbolises the baptism of Jesus and involves a priest throwing a cross into the sea. Several volunteers then dive into the water to retrieve the cross.
