Cyprus
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An introduction to Cyprus
Lying at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, this timeless Mediterranean island is the perfect holiday destination, whether you want to relax on its beautiful beaches or explore its idyllic scenery and tranquil villages. You can be sure of a warm welcome from its genuinely friendly people who are renowned for their hospitality.
The whole island celebrates Carnival in February – it's a pageant that dates back to ancient Greek festivals in honour of Dionysos. The biggest is in Limassol, but it's a significant event in Paphos and Larnaca too.
The first day of Lent is called 'Green Monday', and falls 50 days before Orthodox Easter. Cypriots mark the day by going into the countryside for vegetarian picnics, and they eat no more meat until Easter. The Cypriots also celebrate Greek independence on 25 March.
Orthodox Easter usually falls later than the Western celebration, and here it is more important than Christmas. It's marked with processions and religious ceremonies, and on the evening of Easter Saturday effigies of Judas are burnt on bonfires. May sees Anthestiria flower festivals held in many towns, to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Nicosia's International State Fair in May has a practical purpose – promoting trade – but it's also a good excuse for a big party. A large Remembrance Day celebration starting on 14 July, marks the start of the invasion in 1974. Another important date is the birthday of Jesus' mother Mary, on 15 August - this is a big day. Greek National Day is celebrated on 28 October.
June sees the festival of Kataklysmos. Kataklysmos means 'flood' and this unique celebration coincides with Pentecost. Stories tell of a flood that cleanses mankind of its sins and enables new life on earth. During the festival, everyone heads for the beaches to enjoy all that's on offer including BBQs, activities and of course swimming.
Cypriot Independence Day is celebrated on 1 October with a military parade in the main towns particularly Nicosia, before the President of the Republic and other officials. An important Greek national day well known as 'ochi' or 'no' day is celebrated in October as the day the Greeks refused Mussolini's demand in 1940 to enter Greek territory. Veterans as well as school pupils parade in the streets carrying Greek flags as well as their school banners.
Most Greek Orthodox religious days are also public holidays and most of the public services, private enterprises and shops are closed.
Sited as it is at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa, Cyprus has certainly had an eventful past. There are Neolithic remains all over the island, dating back 9,000 years. Then about 3,000 years ago the first Greek settlers arrived. The island was then colonised by Egyptians and Persians, before Alexander the Great liberated it in 333 BC. Later, under the Romans, the island was one of the first places to convert to Christianity when St Paul arrived on the scene, and many of its glorious Byzantine churches date from this time.
Richard the Lionheart took the island in 1191 on his way to the Crusades, and bestowed it on the Knights Templar. Ruled by Catholics for the next 400 years, the island fell to the Ottomans in 1571. Then in the late 19th century, Britain took over the island because of its strategic importance, and governed it until 1960 when it won its independence after a four-year struggle. In 1974 Turkey invaded the north of the island, and Cyprus has been divided between Turks and Greeks ever since.
Fast Facts
Time Difference : GMT +2
Currency : Euro
Reviews
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Resorts in Cyprus (2)
Pages 1
Larnaca
Dark sandy beaches and clear waters have made this town, the oldest in ...
Paphos
Paphos is a fast growing resort, however it is very proud of its archaeological ...
Pages 1
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