21/02/2017
EASTER 2016 - As Easter Week is a time of great celebration in Cyprus, it is an ideal time to visit the island. There are many discounted flights and other special travel deals to be had during the season. On Good Friday, called “Great Friday” in Cyprus, the people bring flowers to church in the morning to decorate “epitafios” that represent the buried Christ. They cover Christ’s “coffin” in an embroidered cloth and march it through the streets in a great procession that ends back at the church.
On Holy Saturday, a midnight vigil is held to herald the “Anastasis” (Resurrection) of Christ. Wood is gathered and piled up to prepare a place to burn Judas Iscariot in effigy. Later, when midnight arrives, the church bells ring out in celebration. Attendees then pass the “Holy Flame” from candle to candle, beginning with the candle of the priest. All walk home carrying their candle and saying to those they see “Christ is risen!” The traditional reply is, “He is risen indeed!” There are also fireworks displays on the way home.
On Easter Sunday, “Pascha,” there is a family feast which breaks the 40-day fast. Roast lamb, representing the Lamb of God, is the main dish. Other common food items include: a lamb soup called “magiritsa,” red-dyed boiled eggs, chocolate eggs, Cyprus’ special Easter bread called “flaounes,” Greece’s special Easter bread called “tsoureki,” salads, potato chips made from Cyprus’ famous potatoes, “paskies” (mini meat pies), “tiropites” (mini cheese pies), and “koulouria,” which are sweet, well spiced biscuits. The pictures below show our favourite 'Easter Sunday' haunt! Everyone gathers from the early hours of the morning to party. Fantastic food is prepared and shared by all nationalities not forgetting the various tipples available from around the world! Come and join us for Easter! Yiamas!