Cyprus Holiday Apartments

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Despite being washed in laid-back Mediterranean sunshine, Cyprus is far from being sleepy, & offers its visitors a vivid programme of festivities throughout the year. Admittedly – perhaps fortunately – none are so internationally renowned that they inflate the cost of accommodation or  flights to Cyprus, but the island’s festivals are nonetheless beautiful, intriguing & fun. From the traditional to the avante garde, there’s a Cypriot festival to captivate everyone.

Limassol Carnival (February – March)

Carnival is a Roman Catholic tradition celebrated around the world just before Lent. It marks the overturning of daily life, & nowhere is this quite so beautifully capsized as at Limassol Carnival. Here the tradition threads far back beyond Christianity to Ancient Greece, but the two have merged & evolved into a fortnight of noisy, colourful Cypriot exuberance.

It starts on February 1st with “Meat Week”, which is the last week eating meat before Lent – tasty barbecues are abundant! “Cheese Week” comes next, with the entire fortnight crammed with fancy dress parties, masquerades, parades, games, picnics, feasting, & much singing of satirical songs. The ultimate Grand Parade takes place on the last Sunday before Lent & is the most spectacular of all, with illuminated floats, chariots & fantastically costumed groups. Hotels do get full around this time so book early, & look out for useful promotions!

Anthestiria (May)

Celebrated in May by many Cypriots, Anthestiria – also known as the Flower Festival – observes the arrival of Spring & has its roots in an ancient Dionysian festival from Athens. With curiously intertwined themes of the human soul & natural regrowth, Anthestiria ultimately celebrates rebirth, both in nature & the psyche. Although the Dionysians – quelle surprise – used to mark it by drinking lots of wine, these days flowers are used instead, with wonderfully decorated floral parades, horticultural exhibitions & flower markets.

Kataklysmos “Festival of the Flood” (June)

If you attend Kataklysmos you should prepare for a soaking! Connected with ancient ceremonies for Aphrodite & Adonis, this festival is also a Greek Orthodox commemoration of the Holy Spirit’s descent to the Apostles. Exactly how this evolved into “let’s splash each other with water!” may seem obscure – perhaps the pagan water-throwing preceded the more recent religious development – but Kataklysmos traditionally takes place on the waterfront, with much aquatic horseplay alongside singing groups, water-sport competitions, concerts & dancing, with kiosks selling toys & food.

Wine Festival (August & September)

If you’re feeling remotely Dionysian yourself, this one’s for you – an annual opportunity to taste (for free) the many wines produced in Cyprus, not to mention feasting on local cuisine & enjoying the various lively entertainments on offer. There’s dancing, traditional music & theatre, while visitors & islanders mingle to create a relaxed, congenial atmosphere.

Kypria (September & October)

An Annual International Festival of Arts, Kypria brings an excellent variety of international arts to the island, although Cypriot artists, performers & directors all feature prominently. Opera & ballet performances, concerts, plays & exhibitions spring up across Cyprus throughout the two months, so it’s a good idea to check the programme before you book your holiday – unless you’re lucky enough to have two months off!