<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn the lead-up to Christmas in Cyprus, a palpable buzz fills the air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This sense of anticipation begins with the advent season, a 40-day fast that commences on November 25th. This period, known as ‘Sarakosti’, serves both as a spiritual preparation for the divine birth and a gastronomical prelude to the copious feasting that will follow on Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s a mostly vegan affair, with devout Cypriots abstaining from meat, dairy and eggs. However, seafood gets an exemption, peppering otherwise vegetable-laden plates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"boats](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas6.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Festive flower display in Limassol Marina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Festive Shopping and Decorations<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs December dawns, Cyprus starts donning its festive best. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From twinkling fairy lights strung across palm-fringed streets to opulently decorated trees standing tall in plazas – it’s a sight that warms even the coldest winter nights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shopping takes on an entirely new dimension during this time as locals and tourists alike flock to bustling markets hunting for perfect presents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The scent of freshly baked treats wafts from bakeries while shops overflow with everything from handmade trinkets to high-end fashion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Caroling Traditions \u2013 Kalanda<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nCaroling or ‘Kalanda’ is another vibrant thread in the rich tapestry of Cypriot Christmas traditions. As early as dawn on Christmas Eve, children armed with triangles and guitars take to the streets serenading neighbors with traditional Greek carols known as Kalanda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Such has been the custom since Byzantine times when these carols were sung only by shipmen who wanted blessings for their journeys at sea! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nowadays everyone partakes in this joyous tradition which helps spread Yuletide cheer throughout communities across Cyprus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Traditional Food Delights<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAmidst the twinkling lights, carol singing and church ceremonies, one aspect of a Cypriot Christmas that undeniably stands out is the mouth-watering traditional food. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s something about the taste and smell of these cherished recipes that evoke memories of childhood Christmases and are integral to creating new ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
From savory breads to sweet treats, let’s explore some culinary delights that make a Cypriot Christmas truly special.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"a](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas-celebrations1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Many restaurants in Cyprus have a special Christmas menu, but the classics like these dips are always a firm favourite.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Christopsomo: The Christmas Bread<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe festivities kick off with ‘Christopsomo’, directly translating to ‘Christ’s Bread’. This delicacy isn’t merely a type of bread; it\u2019s an embodiment of devout faith and humble thanks for the year\u2019s blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each loaf is gracefully adorned with dough decorations symbolizing aspects of life such as grapes for fertility or an anchor for hope. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
People spend hours crafting this culinary work of art which won’t just fill your stomach but also warm your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Kourabiedes and Melomakarona<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNo Cypriot house is without Kourabiedes and Melomakarona during Christmas time; they are as essential as mistletoe in the west! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kourabiedes are buttery almond cookies coated with snowy powdered sugar, promising a winter wonderland in each bite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand, Melomakarona are honey-soaked cookies studded with crushed walnuts – they offer deep flavors blended perfectly in a moist texture that melts in your mouth instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Vasilopita: New Year\u2019s Cake with a Surprise<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs we bid farewell to old Father Time on New Year’s Eve, out comes Vasilopita – St.Basil’s cake named after Basil of Caesarea who was known for his generosity to the poor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This orange-infused cake is a blend of sweetness and spice that pairs perfectly with the celebratory champagne.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The highlight, however, is the coin hidden inside it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The person who finds this coin in their slice is said to be blessed with good luck for the entire year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas8.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Christmas shopping in Limassol Marina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Christmas Day in Cyprus<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Church Services and the Importance of Religion<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nChristmas Day in Cyprus commences with a unique note of solemnity and reverence. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the early, still-dark hours of dawn, the resonant tolling bells beckon the devoted to attend church services. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The significance of religion is deeply interwoven into the fabric of Cypriot society, and this becomes particularly noticeable during Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The churches, adorned lavishly with lights and ornaments, brim with echoing hymns sung by harmonious congregations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Divine Liturgy\u2014celebrated with extraordinary grandeur on this day\u2014underscores the spiritual essence of Christmas; it’s not just a holiday, but a holy day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Ties That Bind: Family Gatherings & Gift Exchanges<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs the sacred aura from morning church services gently fades away, a more joyous ethos takes over as families gather together for merriment and camaraderie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homes once quiet abruptly awaken to laughter and lively chatter; generations converge under one roof\u2014the old reminiscing about Christmases past while children anticipate gifts from ‘Ai-Vasilis’ or Santa Claus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The exchange of gifts is carried out amid smiles broadened by warmth more than by wine\u2014a practice that evokes values such as love, generosity, and appreciation for one another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Cyprus Style Feast<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNo Cypriot occasion is considered complete without an elaborate feast\u2014and Christmas is no exception! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A lavish table groans under an array of traditional dishes that are prepared on this special day: ‘souvla’ (large pieces of meat grilled on a skewer), ‘avgolemono’ soup (egg-lemon soup), stuffed vine leaves called ‘koupepia’, and other Cypriot delicacies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The feast is not merely about the food\u2014it’s an embodiment of togetherness, a symbol of shared joys and affections. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Each morsel is infused with the spirit of unity that Christmas in Cyprus evokes, making the meal a gastronomic experience truly worth savouring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas-food.jpeg\" "\\"\\"")
Some staples of Cypriot cuisine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Boxing Day Traditions<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Unwrapping the History of Boxing Day in Cyprus<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nBoxing Day, celebrated on the 26th of December, carries a different connotation in Cyprus compared to its British counterpart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Unlike its name, which might connote pugilistic bouts to some or denote a day for returning unwanted gifts to others, this holiday in Cyprus is a serene continuation of Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Its history traces back not to St. Stephen\u2014the first Christian martyr whose feast day is commemorated in some countries on the 26th\u2014but rather, it’s an extension of the joy and goodwill infused into Christmas Day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Cypriot Way to Spend Boxing Day<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nFor Cypriots, Boxing Day or “the second day of Christmas,” as it’s commonly referred to locally, is another opportunity to revel in festive cheer with family and friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It provides an extra day off work for people to extend their holiday celebrations and continue indulging in delectable traditional sweets like kourabiedes (almond cookies dusted with powdered sugar) and melomakarona (honey-dipped cookies topped with crushed nuts).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It’s also common for individuals who couldn’t visit certain relatives or friends on Christmas Day due to conflicting schedules or large families, use this day for those visits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Homes remain open as festive havens where guests might be greeted by delightful aromas wafting from kitchens filled with leftovers from the previous day\u2019s feast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Moreover, this additional public holiday permits locals another chance at leisure activities exclusive to this season\u2014be it ice-skating under twinkling fairy lights at city squares decorated like winter wonderlands; strolling through vibrant Christmas markets seeking out trinkets; or simply enjoying nature walks under crisp, azure skies, appreciating Cyprus’s mild winter weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So while there may be no boxes involved in the Cypriot Boxing Day tradition, it is nonetheless a day filled with the gift of continued celebration and shared moments of joy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Winter](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas2.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Winter Wonderland Fair in Limassol, Cyprus<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Immerse Yourself in the Yuletide Spirit<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs the advent season in Cyprus turns into full-blown Christmas celebrations, the atmosphere on the island becomes more festive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
There’s an inescapable charm and joy that comes with being part of the holiday throng, as you wander through streets humming with cheer and twinkling with decorative lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The Delights of Christmas Markets & Fairs<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nDive headfirst into the magic of Christmas at one of Cyprus’ many seasonal markets and fairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These bustling bazaars are awash with colorful stalls showcasing an array of local handicrafts, delectable food treats, traditional sweets, and unique handmade gifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fairs like Limassol’s aptly named “Christmas Wonderland” radiate a special kind of warmth that allows you to embrace Christmas in its purest form\u2014 from savoring mulled wine amidst a canopy of fairy lights to inhaling the rich scent of gingerbread permeating through chilly winter evenings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Festive Activities for Kids<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to entertaining the little ones during the festive period, Cyprus pulls out all stops. Exciting workshops teaching kids how to bake traditional Cypriot Christmas cookies or create their own ornaments become seasonal favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Puppet shows portray captivating stories about Santa Claus and his elves while interactive nativity plays allow children to be part of the classic Christmas tale themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ice-skating rinks pop up across cities adding another layer of charm to these winter festivities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>Through The Fairy Light Tunnels: Marvelous Displays<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAs night descends on Cyprus during this season, every corner is lit up with stunning displays that transform ordinary cityscapes into magical scenes straight out of a storybook. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buildings don’t just twinkle; they shimmer under countless strings of lights draped artistically over their fa\u00e7ades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colorful projections dance across centuries-old cobblestones, while elaborate window displays decked out with carefully chosen ornaments turn every shop into a treasure trove of Christmas delights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
And let’s not forget the massive, beautifully decorated trees that stand tall and proud in the heart of city squares, silently heralding the arrival of the most awaited time of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
Christmas Wonderland in Limassol Marina<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/span>Epiphany Celebration<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAs the festive season draws to a close, there is a grand finale that highlights the Cypriot spirit in all its vibrancy and warmth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Epiphany, also known as Theophany, marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
But in Cyprus, it’s not just another day on the calendar; it’s an event filled with traditional customs and religious significance, signaling an emphatic end to the holiday season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/cyprusescape.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/cyprus-christmas5.jpg\" "\\"\\"")