November 2018
December 2018
January 2019
February 2019
March 2019
April 2019
/ the festivals & important days / place. After a brutal war which lasted over three years, the EOKA finally forced the hand of the British and a cease-fire in 1960 ultimately meant it was time to give the people what they craved most, freedom.
At the stroke of midnight on the 1st of October 1960, the deed was done, an agreement between Greece, Turkey, and the United Kingdom, made Cyprus an independent country, with the heroic Archbishop Makarios III becoming the first ever President of the island.
SEPTEMBER— OCTOBER KYPRIA FESTIVAL: This annual festival under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and Culture, unites the wonderful talents of local Cypriot dance, music, theatre and art, with those from Greece and other countries to showcase beauty in the arts. The festival is held through all major towns of the island. www. kypria. org. cy To know more, call: + 357 22800985
OCTOBER 17TH— NOVEMBER LARNACA BIENNALE: The district of Larnaca will, for the first time ever host the inaugural Fine Arts Biennale. The one of a kind event and first ever in Cyprus will bring together artists from all over the world as they exhibit their art to the people of Cyprus and the world, in a city whose rich history and culture is as old as time. Come and witness art take life. Location: Municipal Gallery, Larnaca Pierides Museum, Larnaca House of Arts and Literature, Larnaca www. biennalelarnaca. com
OCTOBER 23RD— GREEK NATIONAL DAY / OCHI DAY: The Greek national day is celebrated as well in Cyprus, also known as the Ochi Day, it celebrates the ironclad will of Greek Prime Minister Loannis Metaxas who held his ground against Italian dictator Mussolini, in 1940 when the dictator demanded that he grant passage to the incoming Axis forces of Italy or face war. The answer of the Prime Minister was an emphatic and legendary“ Ochi!” This led to a subsequent attack by Italy and a heroic defence of the Pindus mountain by Hellenic forces. Grand parades always take place, by the military and students, and most public buildings are decorated with the Greek flag.
November 2018
NOVEMBER- WINE MONTH: The Cyprus Tourism Organization( CTO) has declared the month of November as the wine month this 2018 and is welcoming all lovers of wine, connoisseurs and enthusiasts to join this month-long festival that will detail the history of wine in Cyprus. Using“ Wine Routes”, the CTO has traced out seven routes through the Cypriot countryside, with signposts on designated locations, where visitors can go in and experience everything wine. www. visitcyprus. com
• 2018 EDITION
SEPTEMBER 18TH OLYMPUSMAN TRIATHLON: This endurance and limittesting event is a must for every true triathlete or anyone looking to push their physical limits to the edge and find a new gear in themselves. Starting from Paphos and ending at 1952 metres above sea level on the Olympus peak in the Troodos Mountains, the event starts with swimming, then biking, followed by a 2600m climb, before an off-road marathon to the finish. Think you got what it takes? www. cyclingcy. com
NOVEMBER 30TH THE PREVENTIVE CANCER CHARITY AUCTION: MACS Marketing in conjunction with the Europa Donna Breast Cancer Charity will host a one of a kind special event dedicated to the fight against the leading cause of death amongst Cypriot women, breast cancer. Come and show your support to this noble cause and enjoy some of the best Cyprus has to offer, with a red carpet event, a unique auction sale, and a chance to win a whole load of special prizes. Join us in saying NO! to cancer. For more information, e-mail: info @ macsads. com www. facebook. com / MACSMARKETING
December 2018
THE MOST WONDERFUL AND MAGICAL TIME OF THE YEAR, IT HAS A SPIRIT OF ITS OWN.
DECEMBER 25TH— CHRISTMAS DAY: The day Christ was born into the world. This is probably the most important day on the Cyprus Orthodox calendar. You do not want to miss the lights, the carols, and the church services.
January 2019
A NEW CHAPTER IN EVERY LIFE STARTS, AND CYPRUS IS A GOOD PLACE TO START THE YEAR. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
JANUARY 1ST— NEW YEAR’ S DAY: In Cyprus, the bearer of gifts is Ayios Vasilis, and comes on New Year’ s Eve, instead of Christmas Eve. Fireworks light up the sky at the stroke of midnight, as everyone wishes‘ Kali Khronia’( Happy New Year), with a delicious special tribute to Saint Basil just after midnight.
JANUARY 6TH EPIPHANY: A holiday that is also celebrated globally, Epiphany is the honouring of two events in the life of the Saviour Jesus Christ; the visit of the three wise men, and the baptism of Jesus Christ by St. John the Baptist. It is marked by a special mass in all the cathedrals of Cypriot towns, followed by a procession by the sea to mark the baptism, where a Bishop will throw a Holy Cross into the waters, and the young men of the gathering will dive in to retrieve it. Locations: Limassol: Agia Napa Church— Limassol, the old port.
Larnaka: AgiosLazaros Church— Larnaka marina. Paphos: Theoskepasti Church— Paphos harbour. Polis: Agios Andreas Church— Latsi fishing shelter. Agia Napa: Agia Napa Church— Agia Napa harbour.
February 2019
FEBRUARY 14TH VALENTINE’ S DAY: A celebration that transcends culture and religion, Valentine’ s Day has become synonymous with love but really did start out as a day to recognize the honourable acts of Saint Valentine of Rome who secretly wed soldiers who were banned from getting married, until he was martyred for the act. In the 14th century, Geoffrey Chaucer associated the day with love and from then on the day became more popular as a day to celebrate lovers and the island of Cyprus is no different. Experience a deeper and more passionate day with the special packages resorts, hotels, and restaurants always have in store for the truly romantic.
March 2019
MARCH 10TH THE LIMASSOL CAR- NIVAL: The Limassol Carnival takes centre stage for the people of Cyprus. The flashy and spectacular event begins 10 – 12 days before the lent period, and is partly a celebration in honour of the Greek god Dionysos. It is divided into two weeks; the Meat week which brings the King of the Carnival to the city of Limassol with lots of dancing and music, then the Cheese week, during which only dairy products are eaten by the population to honour the coming of Lent. The last day of the carnival is marked by the Grand Parade throughout the city. Location: Limassol www. facebook. com / LimassolCarnival2019
April 2019
APRIL 1ST— GREEK CYPRIOT NATIONAL DAY: This day in 1986 saw the birth of the EOKA, under the leadership of Archbishop Makarios III and General George Grivas, and their four-year fight against the British for Cypriot independence and union( enosis) with Greece. The clash will ultimately lead to Cypriot independence in 1960.
APRIL 26TH— APRIL 29TH— PAS- CHA / EASTER: Easter is a time of great festivity in Cyprus and is celebrated in a very traditional fashion that makes it all the more memorable. The 40-day lent period is followed by Good Friday on the 26th of April. At the stroke of midnight, on Sunday 28th, the traditional openair mass will hold in all churches throughout the island, followed by the feasting on Magiritsa, before the day itself, where roast lamb, merrymaking and joy will be the order of the day. www. public holidays. eu / cyprus / easter
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