22/06/2024
The Kataklysmos, also known as Özönvíz festival is one of the many Orthodox festivals held every year and is one of the most important series of events in Cyprus. The origin of the festival is not known exactly, it is certain that it has been held in Larnaca for more than 100 years. The name "Cataclysmos" refers to the biblical flood, i.e. Noah's ark. The official name of Kataklysmos is on the UNESCO Intellectual Cultural Heritage List: "Kataklysmos" Fair.
We celebrate Pentecost, the arrival of the Holy Spirit, the redemption of a promise, and the fulfillment of hope. Pentecost always falls on a Sunday, which is preceded by the Saturday of the Dead. On this day the Church remembers those who have died since eternity. On Pentecost, we celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles, which can be read about in Acts of the Apostles. In the book of Creation, in Genesis, we can read about Noah, and in Greek myth, we can read Deukalion and his wife, who escape to give birth to a new and moral generation. That is why one of the most popular and indisputably fun customs is the joyful procession to the sea, where people often splash water on each other, symbolizing the purification of body and soul. It is common at this time for locals to prank each other, and even tourists, by sprinkling water or spraying water on someone when they least expect it. Celebrations take place in all seaside towns and resorts throughout the day. You can meet folk dancers, concerts, folklore events and fairs. During the day, water demonstrations and competitions take place on all beaches, including water sports, jet skiing, etc. It is truly a wonderful experience, it is worth going out and letting the holiday spirit take over, because people from Cyprus seize every opportunity, they love to sing, dance and are happy to play together, entertaining themselves and the crowd. There will be a wide range of performances from schoolchildren to celebrities, folklore and modern music and dance, as well as the traditional puppet-shadow theater "Karakiosis" and the traditional Cypriot rhyming slang competition "Tsiatista". Traditional music and modern songs are combined at the festival venues, a very famous Greek singer will perform in many places (e.g. Paphoson! ) while the street vendors offer their goods. Lots of events going on till late night and I can buy delicious local products like boiled corn grilled on charcoal, fruits, seeds, loukoumade and sousouko grown in Cyprus will be available everywhere. Many seaside bars and nightclubs are being prepared to organize events, and the people of Nicosia, the people of the mountains and the other mainland villages and the father of the city are enjoying the festivals of the long weekend on the beach these days! This week is all about sea and water.
On Sunday, following the service, the priest will lead the believers to the harbor, where he will bless the sea and throw a precious cross into the water! Brave young people or let's say not so young people dive together under the water to find and carry up this cross. The one who brings back the cross and hands it over to the priest, will receive its blessing and also the ruling rights for that day... Now the festival can really begin!!!
ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY
WWW.PKACARRENTALS.COM
BOOK NOW YOUR CAR
96 385786
FULL DAY EXPLORATION OF THE AKAMAS PENINSULA Beautiful nature, rural life traditions, Akamas geology and more! Every Saturday for the months of JUNE-JULY 2024 DEPARTURE FROM PAFOS EVERY SATURDAY AT 09:15 Meeting point: Outside
