The Royal Apollonia (issue 4, 2018) The Royal Apollonia (issue 4, 2018) | Page 30

CALEN D AR 2018 September 18th Olympusman Triathlon This endurance and limit-testing 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 Moun- tains, the event starts with swimming, then biking, followed by a 2600m climb, before an off road marathon to the fin- ish. Think you got what it takes? www.cyclingcy.com 2018 December 25th Christmas Day The day Christ was born into the world. This is probably the most impor- tant day on the Cyprus orthodox calen- dar. You do not want to miss the lights, the carols, and the church services. LOCATION: All of Cyprus. PAPHOS: Theoskepasti Church — ​ Paphosharbour POLIS: Agios Andreas Church — ​ Latsi fishing shelter AGIA NAPA: Agia Napa Church — ​ Agia Napa harbour 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 secret- ly wed soldiers who were banned from get- ting 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 pack- ages resorts, hotels, and restaurants always have in store for the truly romantic. LOCATION: All of Cyprus LOCATION: Limassol www.facebook.com/LimassolCarnival2019 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 (eno- sis) with Greece. The clash will ultimately lead to Cypriot independence in 1960. 2019 January 6th LOCATION: All of Cyprus Epiphany 30 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 popula- tion to honour the coming of lent. The last day of the carnival is marked by the Grand Parade throughout the city. Greek Cypriot National 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 trib- ute to Saint Basil just after midnight. LARNAKA: AgiosLazaros Church — ​ Larnaka marina 2019 March 10th 2019 April 1st ​ New Year’s Day LIMASSOL: Agia Napa Church — ​ Limassol, old port e-mail: [email protected] Facebook.com/MACSMARKETING The Limassol Carnival 2019 February 14th 2019 January 1st A holiday that is also celebrated glob- ally, Epiphany is the honoring 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 gather- ing will dive in to retrieve it. whole load of special prizes. Join us in saying NO! to cancer. For more information, 2019 April 26th — ​April 29th Pascha/Easter 2019 March 8th 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 Easter is a time of great festivity in Cy- prus and is celebrated in a very traditional fashion that makes it all the more memora- ble. 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 open air mass will hold in all churches throughout the island, followed by the feasting on Magiritsa, before the day itself, where roast lamb, merry mak- ing and joy will be the order of the day. LOCATION: All of Cyprus www.publicholidays.eu/cyprus/easter T H E R O YA L A P O L L O N I A M A G A Z IN E • 2018 summer edition