Information

We thought it would be interesting to write about some of the traditions and customs that one may come across amongst the Cypriot people.

Some of these are traditional only to Cyprus, but the majority stem from Greek culture, and have been adopted and sometimes adapted over the years by Cypriots.

Welcome

One of the first aspects of the Cyprus culture experienced by foreigners to Cyprus is the warm welcome. Cypriots are known worldwide for the genuine and sincere hospitality and friendliness.

The words ‘Kalosorisate’ (Welcome!) and ‘Kopiaste’ (Come join us!) are frequently called to locals and foreigners alike.

Plate Smashing

The smashing of plates is an old time Greek tradition which spread to many of the Greek islands including Cyprus. Demonstrated at weddings, and other parties and celebrations, plates would be thrown to the floor and smashed while singing and dancing.

Previous to the plates, knives were thrown, in particular towards the feet of performing artists on stage, with the thrower shouting “Opa!” to signify respect to the artist and enjoyment of their performance.

This practice died out due to many mishaps and injuries, and the throwing of plates took over.

It is said this custom is an expression of ‘Kefi,’ which roughly translated means ‘the spirit of joy, passion, enthusiasm, high spirits, or frenzy.’

Plate smashing can still be found in some parts of Cyprus, and in Greece. However, this tradition has also now mostly been replaced, with the throwing of flowers, due to the apparent ‘safety’ problems associated with many plates being smashed.

In many bouzoukia or other modern establishments, girls with baskets or plates with flowers will go around the tables and sell them to the customers, who then throw them to the performers on stage.

Worry Beads

The komboloi, or string of beads, is a familiar sight in the hands of many Greek and Cypriot men. It became a popular form of plaything amongst men in Greece and many of the Greek islands.

Komboloi incorporates the word kombos, meaning the knot. The fascination and magic derived from these knots running through one’s fingers may well have come from the thoughts conjured up from playing with the string of beads. An uneven number of beads make up a komboloi.

The komboloi is said to be more than just a means of passing the time, it reflects a way of life. They are unquestionably relaxing, with the sound of the beads clocking together combined with the feel of the smooth beads between once fingers.

The beads can be bought in many weights, sizes, colors, and materials and can make an excellent, cost-effective gift, or a costly one.

Tuesday 13th

Unlike the western belief, in Cyprus, the unlucky day is Tuesday the 13th, and not Friday the 13th.

Evil Eye

Some Cypriots believe that someone can catch the evil eye, or ‘matiasma,’ from someone else’s jealousy or envy.

After a person has caught the evil eye, they usually feel bad physically and psychologically. To avoid the matiasma, those who believe in it will often wear a charm; a little blue marble glass with an eye painted on it or a blue bracelet.

Blue is believed to be the color that wards off the evil eye, however, it is also thought that people with blue eyes are the givers of the matiasma.

Kallikantzaroi – Christmas Goblins

Kallikantzaroi are supposed goblin-like creatures that live in the center of the earth and find their way into people’s homes via the chimney.

Cypriots believe that they make all kinds of mischief such as dousing the fire, riding on people’s backs, braiding the tails of horses and making the milk sour.

It is believed that they visit only at Christmas time. The hearth is kept burning day and night throughout the twelve days of Christmas, to keep the Kallikantzaroi away

As well as this, a family member will go around the house every day during these twelve days and bless the house, while sprinkling holy water around, for protection.

Name Day

You will notice that birthdays are not such a celebrated event in Cyprus as they are in the UK. However, Name Days are very much celebrated.

Children are typically named after the Patron Saint of their region, with the eldest son often being named after his paternal grandfather and the eldest daughter after her paternal grandmother.

Because of this tradition, you will often find cousins with the same name. The Name Day is the feast day of the saint after whom a child was named. Some Saint’s Name Days get celebrated more than one time per year.

The tradition is for a party to be thrown on the person’s Name Day. A barbeque and buffet at the house are usually prepared, and there is lots of singing, dancing, and drinking. Invites are not traditionally given to join the celebrations of a Name Day – friends, family, and neighbors are just expected to visit.

Some may only stay a short time, as they will have other friends or family with the same name to visit. It is customary to take a small gift to the person celebrating their name day. Usually, this would be flowers or a small plant.

Each Greek Orthodox Church is also named after a saint. Therefore, there are also community celebrations for its Name Day, known as ‘Panigiria,’ which include food, fireworks, and fairs. On the eve of the saint’s day, villagers and street-vendors may gather in the grounds of the patron saint’s church to sell local delicacies.

Download Saints Name Days here (in pdf format, may not be compatible with mobile devices)

Orthodox Easter

Unlike the Christian Easter, Orthodox Easter is the first Sunday after the full moon of the vernal equinox, so the date varies each year. In 2018, Cyprus Orthodox Easter will be from Friday 6th April (Good Friday) through to Tuesday 10th April. Orthodox Easter ends 50 days of lent, during which fasting takes place.

Easter in Cyprus lasts for five days, from Good Friday, through to the following Tuesday. Most significant shops and businesses will close for much of the Easter period. On Easter Saturday, everybody heads for the churches for the midnight sermon.

Upon exit from the church, they can be heard greeting each other with the words “Christos anesti,” which means ‘Christ has arisen,’ and others may reply “Alithos anesti,” which means ‘indeed he has arisen.’

Candles and bonfires are lit, and firecrackers are let off all around the island. This activity marks the end of fasting, and most people go home to eat traditional Cypriot Easter Soup (mayeritsa) and flaounes, which are traditional easter cheese pastries.

Easter Sunday is a day of rejoicing, feasting, drinking, singing and cracking red-dyed eggs. The idea of the eggs is to tap your egg hard against your opponent’s egg, and the person who holds the last uncracked egg will be lucky. It is mostly children who play the eggs, but many adults do too.

Barbeques will be lit up all around the island as spring lambs are roasted on the spit, and the wine flows freely.

There are six major districts in Cyprus, with each region having the same name as its capital:

Famagusta

Famagusta (Ammóchōstos) was the number one tourist destination in Cyprus during the early 1970’s. The increasing number of tourists caused the construction of many new high-rise buildings and hotels here.

At this time, the Varosha quarter of Famagusta was not only the number one tourist destination in Cyprus but between 1970 and 1974 it was one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and attracted wealthy, rich and famous stars. Some notable names mentioned are Elizabeth Taylor, Brigitte Bardot, and Raquel Welch.

Since the Turkish invasion and occupation in 1974, Varosha has remained fenced off and is only accessible to Turkish military and UN personnel.

The areas under the Cyprus Government administration include Ayia Napa, Protaras, Paralimni, Deryneia, and Cape Greco which all form part of the Ammochostos region.

Kyrenia

Kyrenia (Kerýneia) is the smallest of the key districts in Cyprus, and the only one that is 100% controlled by the Turkish Military since 1974.

It extends from Cape Kormakitis, through the most significant part of the mountain range of Kyrenia, (commonly referred to as Pentadaktylos).

This range includes the well-known peaks of Kornos, Kyparissovouno, Ayios Ilarionas, Voufavento, and Pentadaktylos, ending in the middle of the northern coast of the island, known as Achaeon Akti. Visit Kyrenia Municipality website.

Nicosia

Nicosia (Lefkosia) is the largest city in Cyprus, known centuries ago as Ledra; it is the capital city of the Republic of Cyprus.

Situated almost at the center of the island, and on the River Pedieos, it is home the Government offices, as well as being the principal business center.

Since the Turkish invasion of 1974, the city has remained the only divided city in Europe, with the Turkish military occupying the Northern part, and the Republic of Cyprus administering the southern section

It is a major trade center for manufacturing of textiles, leather, pottery, plastic, and other products. There are six universities based in Nicosia.

The historic Old Town lies within massive 16th century Venetian Walls and is home to famous museums, Byzantine churches, medieval and neoclassical buildings, all of which stand along narrow scenic roads.

Visit Nicosia Municipality website. See also Places to visit in Nicosia.

Larnaca

Larnaca (Larnaka) is on the southern coast of Cyprus. Lined with rows of palm trees (Phinikoudes), the city of Larnaca is well-known for its picturesque seafront.

Larnaca has two of the official legal points of entry into Cyprus, being the Larnaka International airport, and the Larnaka port. The Larnaka International airport was completely upgraded in 2009, with the official opening to all airlines being on 17th November 2009.

The Larnaka port and marina are also to undergo a major transformation, said to cost €1 billion, with work scheduled to start in 2010, and which will include the construction of a 1,000 berth marina, and luxury hotels and villas.

The reconstruction of the port will consist of facilities for the sizeable third generation cruise ships which cannot currently dock on the island. The project is scheduled to be completed within six years from commencement.

Larnaka is also famous for its salt lake that offers a temporary home every year to thousands of migratory birds, including the pink flamingo.

Visit Larnaca Municipality website. See also Places to visit in Larnaca.

Limassol

Limassol (Lemesos) is the second biggest city in Cyprus and is located on the island’s southern coast at Akrotiri Bay. Lemesos is also the most prominent port in the Mediterranean transit trade.

A planned new marina will have 1000 births available, luxury properties, boating services and entertainment areas. However, the commencement of this grand plan has seen several delays.

Limassol district consists of two UK administered areas, being Akrotiri and Episkopi, known as the Western Sovereign Base Areas. Built between the two ancient cities of Amathus and Kourion, Limassol has become an important tourism, trade, and service-providing center, as well as being Cyprus’ main wine growing region.

A tourist strip runs east along the coast as far as Amathus and upgrades are continuously occurring.

Limassol is famous for its magnificent annual festivals, such as the Carnival and Wine Festival.
Visit Limassol Municipality website. See also Places to visit in Limassol.

Paphos

Paphos (Pafos) is Petra Tou Romiou, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It lies to the West of Cyprus.

The district consists of four municipalities being: Paphos, Yeroskipou, Peyia, and Polis Chrysochous. Paphos has become a significant tourist destination, not only for beach lovers but also for those interested in the vast archeological history of Cyprus.

In recent years, it has become the favorite retirement place for British ex-pats. It has a quaint fishing harbor, a sandy coastline with coves and gorges, and a hilly region that climbs up to Paphos forest, as well as a mountainous area.

The official UNESCO list of cultural and natural treasures of the world’s heritage includes the town of Paphos.

Paphos International Airport completed a major upgrade in November 2008, and a new 1,000 berth marina is planned in Kissonerga. However, a commencement date has not yet been agreed.

Visit the Municipality websites of – Paphos – Geroskipou – Pegeia – Polis Chrysochous. See also places to visit in Paphos.

United Nations Buffer Zone

The buffer zone stretches for 180 km from the west near Kato Pyrgos to the east just south of Famagusta. It cuts through the center of the old town of Nicosia, separating the city into southern and northern sections.

There is also a buffer zone around the Kokkina enclave in the west. The width of the zone ranges from 3.3 meters in central Nicosia, to 7.4 km at the village of Athienou.

There is no buffer zone between the eastern British Sovereign Base Area and the area under Turkish Cypriot control. The buffer zone is home to over 10,000 people, and there are several villages and farms located within.

Pyla is the only village in Cyprus where Greeks and Turks live side by side. Other communities in the buffer area are Dhenia, Mammari, Athienou, and Troulli, while Lymbia lies partially within the zone.

See also the five district regions around Mount Olympus in the Troodos Mountains.

See the population of Cyprus figures here.

Situated in the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea is the beautiful island of Cyprus. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean, measuring 240 km in length, and 100 km in width.

Where is Cyprus Located?

Due to its geographic location, Cyprus can be included in the Middle East, Western Asia, or Europe. Turkey is 75 km to the north. Syria is 105 km to the east. Lebanon is 108 km to the east. Israel is 200 km to the southeast. Egypt is 380 km to the south.

The Greek mainland is 800 km to the west-northwest: Rhodes is 400 km away, and it is 280 km from Cyprus to the small Dodecanese island of Kastellórizo (Meyísti).

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Mountains & Physical Features

Mountain masses and the central plain they encompass, the Mesaoria, dominate Cyprus’ physical setting.

The island has multiple mountain chains and large interior plains as well as 648km of coastline.

The Troodos Mountains cover most of the southern and western portions of the island and account for roughly half its area. The narrow Kyrenia Range, extending along the northern coastline, occupies a substantially less expanse and has lower elevations.

Coastal lowlands surround the island with varying widths.

Plains

The Mesaoria (meaning between the mountains) is a sweeping plain that makes up the center of the island. The Mesaoria plain is bounded on the east and west by the Mediterranean Sea, on the south by the Troodos mountains. To its north lie the Kyrenia mountains.

It has an area of approximately 1000 square km. It rises to an altitude of 325 meters, with an average elevation of around 100 meters.

There are many rivers and other watercourses crossing this plain, but none of them have water all year round.

The Mesaoria is the most settled region on the island, containing dozens of villages and many of the most significant towns, including the capital, Nicosia.

Trodos Mountains

The Troodos mountain range is the most prominent mountain range of Cyprus, located in the center of the island; it stretches across most of the western side of Cyprus.

Its highest peak is Mount Olympus at 1,952 meters. The area has been known since ancient times for its copper mines, and in the Byzantine period it became a renowned center of Byzantine art, as churches and monasteries were built in the mountains, away from the threatened coastline, and they still exist today.

Kyrenia Mountains

The Kyrenia mountain range is a long, narrow chain of mountains that runs approximately 160 km along the north coast of Cyprus. The collective chain is also known as the Pentadactylos.

The mountains are primarily limestone, with some marble. The highest peak, Kyparissovouno is 1,024 meters in elevation. The western half of the range is known as the Pentadactylos (five fingers) mountains.

Though only half the height of the Troodos mountains, the Kyrenia mountains are very rugged. These peaks rise abruptly from the Mesaoria plain making them a spectacular sight.

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Plant Variety

The Cyprus Mediterranean Forests ecoregion encompasses the high and steep Troodos massif and hills and low plains of the island, which hosts a wide range of habitats. With approximately 1,800 species and subspecies of flowering plants, Cyprus is a botanist’s paradise.

Oak, strawberry, juniper, and cypress trees thrive at lower elevations, while the driest level plains in the center host semi-arid, shrub-like vegetation and wild olive trees, and carob trees.

In the medium elevations, pine forests are wide-spread and endemic evergreen oak forests.

Pine forests and juniper woodlands cover the higher elevations of the mountains which provide an ideal habitat for many specialized species of plants and animals.

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Abundant and Unique Wildlife

Each mountain range hosts some plants and animals that are found nowhere else on earth. One such creature is the Cyprus mouflon, also called Agrino from Greek Αγρινό. Although few, they still survive in the mountains of the protected reserve of the Paphos Forest Station.

The Cyprus mouflon is a reclusive, indigenous rare type of wild mountain sheep, and is a protected species. The sheep is also a national symbol, displayed on some of the Cyprus euro coins and Cyprus stamps, and was also the emblem of the former national airline.

Birds

Cyprus is also a major bird migration route, with it being on a north-south migration route. Thousands of birds every year transit via Cyprus, some in vast flocks and some in small clusters.

The resting period of each type of bird varies, with some only resting for a few days to a week, and others for several weeks or months. The Northward migration period is from March to May, while the Southward migration period is from August to October.

The most popular of the migrating birds are the pink flamingos that flock every year to the Larnaca salt lake for the winter months. People come from far and wide to take in the spectacular view of the beautiful pink flamingos, which migrate in their thousands annually.

More recently, the Greater flamingo has also been seen. With over 360 different species of birds documented on the island, many of them migratory, Cyprus is a perfect haven for bird watchers.