Religion, Useful Info, Public Holidays 2007-2008, Announcement
Easter in Cyprus
24 04 2008Easter is the most important religious event in the Greek Orthodox calendar and if you are on holiday in cyprus or out and about in your Car, you will notice the huge effigies of rabbits, chicks and eggs that decorate most major roundabouts!
The season actually begins 50 days earlier on Green Monday, when Cypriot families head for the countryside to picnic on vegetarian food as they enter the period of fasting which will be broken at midnight on Easter Saturday. Green Monday, or as it’s also known, ‘Clean Monday’ also has a tradition for flying Kites…
Orthodox Easter, is a moveable feast, the same as the Christian Easter, however the date is always set on the first Sunday after the full moon following the spring equinox.
The concentration of activity occurs in Holy Week, when housewives bake seasonal specialities in preparation for the feast on Easter Day. The fasting enters an even stricter vegan phase during this week, when even olive oil is forbidden. baking takes place with a strictly ‘no tasting’ rule which must be very hard indeed. The most favourite delicacy is ‘Flaounes’, a pastry filled with a special cheese, eggs and mint.
Spring cleaning is also rife during this week as everything must be made clean and new to celebrate the Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Houses are whitewashed and scrubbed from top to bottom and new clothes and shoes are an absolute must!
During Holy Week, the general mood becomes more solemn, especially on Good Friday as the death of Christ is mourned. On this day, flowers are taken to the church to decorate the Holy Sepulcher. Late Saturday evening, church bells will call the congregation to Mass which everyone in the village will attend and all will carry an unlit candle. The priest will hold one lighted candle and deliver the sermon. At midnight it will be declared “Christos anesti” (Christ has risen) and the congregation will reply “Alitho anesti” (Indeed He has risen). Everyone then lights their candle from the priest’s and the celebrations begin. Usually a bonfire will be built in the church yard and fireworks will be let off. Hard boiled eggs that have been dyed red to represent the blood of Christ will be cracked open and eaten, but the real feasting begins on Sunday when Souvla (skewered barbecued pork or chicken) and whole roast lamb or goat will be enjoyed. The celebrations generally continue for 3 days – yes, there is Easter Tuesday in cyprus!
If you want to experience Cypriot Easter for yourself, head for a rural village where you can witness traditions and celebrations which haven’t changed much in hundreds of years…
Easter is certainly a great time to visit cyprus on holiday, although certain shops and offices will be closed for the bank holidays, you will thoroughly enjoy the experience and want to return next year!
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