The biggest and most popular wine festival in Cyprus takes place annually from the end of the last week of August and throughout the first week of September in the Limassol Municipal Park.

Events dedicated to winemaking begin daily at 19:00 and end at 23:00 on weekdays and at 23:30 on weekends.

What is the uniqueness of the Limassol Wine Festival and why it is worth visiting

The festival presents the products of the main wineries of Cyprus. Having bought a wine glass, you can taste all the wines presented, as well as enjoy young wine, which is bottled in special bottles without restriction.

In addition to wine tasting, everyone can participate in the traditional pressure of grapes with their feet, have a bite of traditional Cypriot dishes and sweets, listen to songs and watch a variety of programs of creative teams.

How to get to the Limassol Wine Festival

If you are in, then you can come to the festival by city buses number 30. From , Larnaca, Nicosia and Ayia Napa The Cyprus Tourism Organization provides free bus transfers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The village is considered a traditional place for the production of rose petals in Cyprus. Festival visitors have a unique opportunity to:

Where and when does it take place

Festival events take place in the village of Agros in mid-May on Saturdays and Sundays from morning until late evening. The village is located in the highlands of Troodos (Troodos), which can only be reached by car.

Anfestiria - flower parade and festival in Limassol

"Anthestiria" (Anthestiria) is a celebration of the awakening of nature and spring. The traditions of this celebration originated in Greece, where celebrations were held in honor of the god of wine and fertility, Dionysus.

The program of the festival "Anfestiria":

• floral exhibition;
• flower parade;
• flower sale;
• musical and dance performances.

Where and when is the flower festival

The Flower Festival takes place in the center of Limassol's tourist area on the first or second weekend in May.

The Faros Chamber Music Festival is one of the most important events in the world of classical music in Cyprus. Music festival events take place in May and June at The Shoe Factory concert hall and the royal manor of the ancient settlement of Kouklia (Royal Manor House), located near Paphos.

The magnificent performance of the musicians and the artistic innovations in the staging of the festival's concerts have earned international recognition and attract more than 2,000 visitors annually.

The Street Life Festival takes place in early May in the heart of the old town of Limassol on Saripolou Street.

Over the years, the Limassol Street Art Festival has gained immense popularity and gathers more than 10,000 people on the city streets. Everyone can take part in the event by taking paint in hand and creating their own masterpiece of street art!

In the program of the street art festival:

Medieval Festival in Ayia Napa

The medieval festival takes place in the historical center near the medieval monastery in the first or second week of October.

What to see at the festival:

• theatrical performances in the natural setting of a medieval monastery;
• music and dance concerts;
• events using medieval costumes;
• market-fair of traditional products, stylized as a medieval setting;
• workshops stylized as the Middle Ages on making wickerwork, pottery and other interesting things;
• exhibitions of medieval products.

Strawberry Festival in Derynia

The Strawberry Festival in Cyprus takes place every 2 years in the southeast of the island in the village of Derinya.

During the festival, everyone can enjoy strawberries, taste drinks and sweets made from strawberries, watch performances of dancers and musicians, purchase strawberries and traditional products.

You can get to Derynia from Ayia Napa and by bus number 502.

Anogyra Pastel Festival

In early September, the village hosts a pastel festival, a traditional Cypriot dessert made with carob syrup. The village is located in the foothills of Troodos between Limassol and Paphos. You can only get to Anogyra by car.

Cyprus is an island of love and beauty, as well as interesting traditions that have been preserved since ancient times. And all the charm of legends and stories, of course, appears in the holidays of this state. If you are planning a trip to the island, then combine it with one of the Cypriot events - this will help you get to know the Cypriots better and soak up the atmosphere of exotic and ancient Cyprus.

Winter Events In Cyprus

December 25

Christmas is the most family holiday in Cyprus. Pork dishes and the local sweet delicacy christokulura are sure to be on the table. They try to celebrate the Christmas holiday in new clothes or put on at least one unworn item. Faithful Cypriots on Christmas go to the evening service in the church and then gather at the festive table. And in some villages, ancient traditions are still alive: do not lock the door on Christmas night, but leave a cake in the attic - a treat to appease the spirits.

January 1st

Like many other states, the Republic of Cyprus celebrates the New Year on the night of January 1st. At this time, music is booming everywhere, fireworks are flickering, and all people, young and old, are dancing. On the table is a steaming New Year's vasilopita cake, inside of which there is a surprise. On this holiday, St. Basil is revered - he is an analogue of our Santa Claus. They prepare treats for him and await his magical visit with gifts.

January 24

Memorial Day of St. Neophyte. The island even has a historical landmark associated with this person - a monastery. In Cyprus, St. Neophyte is greatly revered, and on this feast they make a solemn procession to the cave where, according to legend, he lived.

Spring Events In Cyprus

March 11th

Green Monday. This day marks the beginning of Lent, when every Cypriot family cleans their house and then has a festive picnic or dinner.

April 1

The national holiday of Cyprus is a tribute to the events that are associated with the liberation struggle against the British colonizers. This is the day of freedom, unity and patriotism of the Cypriot people.

26 April

Good Friday. The government makes sure that believers can carefully prepare for Easter, and therefore this day is a day off in Cyprus. On Friday afternoon, Cypriots cook lentil soup with vinegar, all members of believing families spend time in prayer and fasting. Emotions are moderate, but everyone is in anticipation of great joy - the day of the resurrection of Christ.

April 28

Easter is the most important holiday for Orthodox Cypriots. On the night before Easter, a church service is held, and in the morning celebrations are held, where boiled eggs and Easter cakes are always present on the tables. At this time, a lot of fresh herbs are already growing in Cyprus, so feasts always include a variety of local vegetables.

May 01

Labor Day. This is the time for rallies and demonstrations of workers, as well as various entertainment events, concerts and shows. Live music sounds everywhere, and Cypriots weave and put on wreaths with wild herbs, garlic and wildflowers.

May 06

Anfestiria (flower day) is the most tender and beautiful holiday in Cyprus. This is a way to honor the island's incredible natural beauty. Flower fairs are held in Cyprus, everyone gives each other bouquets. The streets are filled with daisies, alpine violets, anemones, gladioli and wild tulips.

Summer events In Cyprus

June 16

Trinity Feast. This event for believers in Cyprus begins with a morning service in the church and is accompanied by prayers.

August 15

Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is a day off and a time when it seems that all Cypriots are getting a little kinder. On the night before the holiday, believers make a procession, which is accompanied by the removal of the shroud of the Most Holy Theotokos, and in the morning they go to the solemn service in the temple.

August 30

Wine Festival in Limassol. This is one of the most famous and beloved by travelers Cypriot events, which is a must-see for wine lovers, because this fair brings together the products of wineries from all over the island in one place. The festival is imbued with the spirit of Cyprus, there are a lot of national attributes and local folklore: the bouzouka (national stringed instrument) sounds, craftsmen sing folk songs and dance Cypriot dances. Various competitions are held at the wine fair and guests are fed with national dishes.

Autumn Events In Cyprus

September 14

The Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord is an event that is very significant in Cyprus. On this day, Orthodox Cypriots go to serve in the temple, pray for relatives and friends. During the celebration, the island becomes a gathering place for pilgrims visiting shrines.

October 01

Independence Day of the Republic of Cyprus. This date is celebrated by the Cypriots on a very large scale! Throughout its existence, the island, which has a good strategic position, constantly fell under the possession of one or another country. But the national liberation struggle in 1960 finally led to the fact that Cyprus became a sovereign state. On Independence Day, parades are held on the island, and delicious treats are prepared in the houses and friends and relatives are invited to the feast. Mass festivities on the city streets last until the very night.

28 of October

Ohh Day. This event is connected with the Second World War, when Cyprus rejected Italy's ultimatum of neutrality in military operations and thus became part of the fight against the fascist invaders. This is the day of parades, demonstrations and festivities in Cyprus. Flags of the country are hung on administrative buildings.

Cyprus has a long history, several types of religion, and therefore the holidays on the island follow one after another: state, Orthodox, folk, Muslim, pagan. And since the life of the island and the Cypriots takes place next to the tourism business, the main type of income in the country, the Cypriot holidays are open to everyone.

What holidays in Cyprus 2016 can be visited by tourists who came to the island?

• New Year. Not many travelers go to Cyprus on January 1, and those who come with great pleasure participate in the celebration of the New Year, get acquainted with St. Basil (an analogue of Santa Claus), fireworks, and lead street dances. In the center of the Cypriot table on this day is "vasilopita" - a New Year's pie with raisins, oranges and nuts. One coin is baked into the pie, and whoever gets it will have a good year for the whole coming year.
• Apokria or Maslenitsa for the Cypriots. In 2016, Pancake week will begin on March 7, after which, on Green Monday, March 14, Great Lent begins for the Orthodox. They start celebrating Maslenitsa on the previous Thursday, which is called “fragrant” (it will fall on March 3). Throughout the Shrovetide week, the islanders go to visit, have parties and participate in costumed carnivals. Maslenitsa processions, festivities and carnivals have the greatest scope in Limassol.
• Greece's Independence Day from Ottoman rule is celebrated on March 25, including in Cyprus. The national holiday coincides with the Annunciation.
• Easter, which ends Great Lent, will come on May 1 in 2016. The Easter traditions of many Orthodox countries largely coincide, and in Cyprus you will find the same Easter cakes, colored eggs, and try fried lamb.
• Anfestiria is a pagan holiday in honor of Dionysus, which in our time has become a celebration of the beginning of spring, the birth of new flowers and vegetation. Flower fairs, dance competitions are organized in cities, and flower carnivals are held in Paphos, Larnaca and Limassol. If you want to see bright, unforgettable holidays in Cyprus in 2016, then come here in early May.
• Trinity (Kataklysmos) 19 July.
• Beer Festival on July 15 and Wine Festival on August 26 (in Limassol).

• Cyprus Independence Day (October 1) from British subjugation.
• Ohi Day ("no") in the state is officially celebrated on October 28 in honor of Greece's refusal to help fascist Italy and Mussolini in 1940. Although the refusal provoked the bombing in Cyprus, this date became both for the island and for Greece a day of pride and patriotism. Military parades and demonstrations are organized in the cities.
• Christmas 25 December.

All dates are for 2016.

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National holiday, day off

In Greek "Το Όχι" ("To Ohi").

The holiday is dedicated to the participation of all Greeks in the Second World War. In October 1940, the Italian dictator Benito Mussolini issued an ultimatum to Greece demanding the free passage of the Nazi coalition troops through the territory of Greece. The Greek prime minister, General Ioannis Metaxas, replied "Oh!", Greek for "No", hence the name of the holiday.

Italy attacked Greece in October 1940. However, the Greeks turned out to be stronger, they suffered the war on the territory of Albania occupied by the Italians. However, in April 1941, Germany entered the war with Greece. In 24 days, the Wehrmacht defeated the Greek armies.

On the island of Cyprus, the Second World War was not fought, except for limited German air raids. However, 6,000 Cypriot volunteers fought in Greece. Another 30,000 Cypriot volunteers fought with the British forces. Compulsory military service was not introduced in Cyprus.

Ohi Day is celebrated in much the same way as Independence Day. Parades are held in the cities - military, student, school. There used to be a tradition of parading veterans, but now veterans of the Second World Unit. Schoolchildren and students carry the flags of Greece and Cyprus, this is a real patriotic extravaganza.

In Nicosia, the parade starts from Stassinou Avenue and passes by the Greek Embassy. Necessarily, an important Cypriot official participates in the parade, he salutes the ambassador and the invited Greek officials. This is a sign of the unity of the Greek nation in the face of a threat.

Fireworks are loved in Cyprus, and on Ohi Day they let them go with great pleasure. The holiday is felt even in beach hotels. Most museums and other cultural attractions are closed on 28 October. Small shops are closed, supermarkets and shopping centers are open.

Entertainment facilities work, but the queues can be huge, there can be a lot of people. We recommend tourists to join the holiday, and you can go to the water park on another day.

December 24, 25, 26 - Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Box Day

Christmas Eve - working day, Christmas - day off, Box Day - day off

In Greek: a Christmas tree - "παραμονή χριστουγέννων" ("Paramoni Knitenon"), Christmas - "χριστούγεννα" ("Crystane"), the day of the boxes - "Δεύτερη μέρα των χριστουγέννων" ("Defteri Mera Tone Knitonenon").

In Cyprus, Christmas is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar (New Style). Cypriot Christmas traditions are a mixture of Orthodox and English traditions. There is also Santa Claus, who usually dress up one of the family members, usually the heaviest. Children hang near the fireplace (if there is no fireplace, near the Christmas tree) socks that parents fill with sweets at night.

As in many European countries, Cyprus has a big Christmas festival. It begins on December 6 on St. Nicholas Day, the culmination of the holiday is Christmas on December 25, the festival ends on January 6 at Epiphany.

The Christmas tree is already decorated by St. Nicholas Day, and on this day the children receive their first gifts. After all, Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of children. By the way, he is the patron saint of travelers. It is not customary to give gifts to children at once and all at once, as is customary with us. They give a little, but several times: December 6 on St. Nicholas Day, December 25 on Christmas Day, January 1 on New Year's Day and January 6 on Epiphany.

Christmas is preceded by a fast of 40 days. After the solemn service on the night of December 24 to 25, it is customary to have a big dinner, since fasting ends by this time. The Cypriots do not have a single traditional Christmas dish, each family has its own preferences. The most popular is turkey or chicken stuffed with rice and raisins. Fried pork is also popular.

Cyprus has its own Christmas flower - it is "poinsettia" (aka "the most beautiful spurge"), which blooms in Cyprus just around Christmas. Poinsettia flowers decorate houses.

There are several special dishes prepared for Christmas. Melomakarona are cakes made from flour and olive oil, usually spherical in shape. At the end of cooking, they are dipped in honey or syrup, sprinkled with walnuts or chocolate on top. Kourabiedes are the Greek version of the kourabie biscuits. In Cyprus, cookies are generously sprinkled with powdered sugar, they become completely white.

Carols used to be popular at Christmas. Children went from house to house and sang Christmas carols, for which they received sweets. Now this tradition is almost extinct.

According to old beliefs, the evil spirits "Kallikantzatos" go hunting only once a year - from December 25 to January 6. To drive them away from the house, it is customary to wrap the cross with a branch of basil or an olive tree; the cross is hung over the door of the house.

For tourists, Christmas in Cyprus is interesting, although not as interesting as in France, Austria or Germany. In Cyprus, Christmas markets and parades are held, but the scale is not at all the same.

Holidays without days off

The Ascension of the Lord (Entrance) is celebrated on the 39th day after Easter Sunday (40th day of Easter), but there is no official holiday in Cyprus.

Halloween is the heritage of the British, celebrated on October 31st. Many Cypriots celebrate, some frankly do not like. Anglo-Saxon traditions: pumpkins, evil spirits, carols with the words "sweet or nasty". There is no exit.

Day of Remembrance of the Greek Genocide of Anatolia, celebrated on May 19. A very sad holiday, and probably worth spending at work. Probably for this reason there is no day off.

St. Nicholas Day - December 6th. It is customary to give gifts and do something nice for children. There is no exit.

Have a good holiday in Cyprus, and read interesting articles about Cypriots and their island ( list of articles below).

In addition to many state and religious ones, each city and even village holds its own holidays, carnivals and festivals on certain days of the year. The inhabitants of Cyprus carefully keep their traditions - most of the holidays on the island have been celebrated for more than one century.

The holiday calendar of Cyprus has many days off. During public holidays, life on the island changes its pace. Mostly all banks, services and shops are closed on holidays. The exception is small shops in tourist areas. Cypriots relax, invite guests and have fun, forgetting about everyday problems.

Public holidays and weekends in Cyprus:

New Year / New Years Day

The celebration begins on New Year's Eve with the preparation of the traditional Vasilopitta pie, in which a coin is baked. The head of the family cuts this cake in the presence of all family members. The one who finds a coin in his piece will be the luckiest in the coming year.

The Baptism of the Lord (Theophany, the day of St. Epiphany, or Fota) / Epiphany Day

One of the most important religious holidays of the Greek Orthodox Church. On this day, Christ was baptized in the Jordan River, symbolizing the spiritual rebirth of man. Another name for the holiday - the Day of the Three Wise Men - takes place with the illumination of water in temples. In the towns on the coast, at the end of mass, the festive procession goes to the sea, where the priest lowers the cross into the water, and the participants of the holiday dive after it, which symbolizes the ritual of purification.

Green (clean) Monday / Green Monday

floating date
The holiday is celebrated 50 days before Easter and serves as the beginning of Lent. Cypriots spend this day with family and friends: they have picnics and feasts, fly kites into the sky and play outdoor games

Greek Independence Day (national liberation revolution of 1821 against the Turks) / Greek Independence Day

Cypriots honor their close connection with Greek culture and history, and therefore the holiday is celebrated in Cyprus along with Greece. On this day there are parades of students, scouts and other organizations. Throughout Cyprus, various competitions and events are held in honor of the holiday.

Cyprus National Day

April 1
The day of the beginning of the national liberation struggle against the British colonialists in 1955.

Good Friday (Greek Orthodox Church)

floating date

Friday of Holy Week which is dedicated to the memory of the condemnation to death, suffering on the cross and the death of Jesus Christ, as well as the removal from the cross of his body and burial.

Holy Saturday / Holy Saturday

floating date

Saturday before Easter

Holy Easter

floating date
The most important Orthodox holiday in Cyprus, which ends Great Lent. By tradition, for Easter they bake a flauna cheese pie, paint eggs. On the eve of the holiday, believers go to temples for worship.

Easter Monday / Easter Monday (Greek Orthodox Church)

floating date

Monday after Easter

Easter Tuesday (Greek Orthodox Church)

floating date

International Labor Day / Labor Day

1st of May
As in other countries, on this day there are demonstrations of workers, and after the official part - folk festivals, fun, concerts.

Cataclysmos (Pentecost, Water Festival) / Сataclysmos

floating date
The holiday is associated with the memory of the Flood and the salvation of Noah. Cataclysmos takes place in all cities of Cyprus on a large scale. Folklore performances, games, songs and dances take place one after another. In the coastal cities there is a big fair, competitions in sea sports (traditional regatta), holiday swims with prizes for the winners.

In the evening, the cities are immersed in the bright light of fireworks. People go to exhibitions and concerts.
Assumption Day

August 15
On this day, festive services are held in the monasteries of the island. For Cypriots, this period is the peak of holidays, many prefer to spend their holidays in August, and on the holiday itself they take part in the celebrations. On the night of August 15, a religious procession is arranged, the shroud of the Most Holy Theotokos is taken out.

Cyprus Independence Day

October 1
The holiday is celebrated throughout the country on a grand scale, a military parade is held at the Presidential Palace in the capital of the Republic of Cyprus, Nicosia. Mass festivities, concert programs continue until late at night.

"Oh" day

28 of October
Commemoration of the resistance of the Greeks and Cypriots in 1940 to the ultimatum presented by Italy to the Greek dictator Ioannis Metaxas. The Greek word "όχι" means "no": with this nationwide protest, Greece refused to capitulate. The memory of the rebuff given to the fascist troops is honored both in Greece and in Cyprus.

Christmas / Christmas Day

December 25
In Cyprus, Christmas is celebrated before the New Year. As in other countries, in Cypriot traditions, it is customary to carefully prepare for this day: in the special atmosphere of the holiday
cities and villages sink, holiday shopping is done, gifts are chosen for relatives and friends. In the homes of Cypriots, a generous table is laid, on which there must certainly be meat dishes, a Christmas cake, and sweets.

Christmas time (Boxing Day, Day of the Kik Icon of the Mother of God) / Boxing Day

December 26
The next 12 days from Christmas to the Baptism of the Lord - that is, the holy days, consecrated by the coming of the Savior into the world

Please note that holidays that fall on weekends do not roll over to the next weekday.

In addition to the main ones, Cypriots celebrate about 40 more holidays a year. The most popular among them:

• Aphrodite Festival in Paphos - an annual classical music festival dedicated to the Goddess of Love Aphrodite
• Anfestiria is an annual festival of flowers that pays tribute to the extraordinary riches of the island's nature. This is a day to celebrate the arrival of spring with enchanting carnivals and processions.
• Wine Festival in Limassol is a celebration dedicated to the god of winemaking - Dionysus. During the festival, many wine producers treat guests with their drinks for free.
• Limassol carnival - takes place in early spring and lasts ten days. This bright and colorful event attracts guests from all over the world.
• The Larnaca Music Festival is an interesting event that takes place in the city's amphitheater. And also in a theater located in a medieval fort. This festival is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the music and dances of Cyprus. In addition, performances of ancient Greek and modern plays take place during the festival.

Some holidays celebrated in Cyprus are also celebrated in other countries of the world. However, there are also unique ones for the Mediterranean island. Holidays celebrated by any nation can tell a lot about its culture and character. Therefore, those who want to get to know Cyprus as much as possible should visit it during the national holidays!