RSS |
A visit to Cyprus will be welcomed with traditional warmth and genuine hospitality as the people of the island consider a visit to their land as a compliment. The pace of life in Cyprus is leisurely with people kind, helpful and ever smiling. |
The towns of Cyprus are a perfect place to witness a healthy existence of modern cosmopolitan lifestyle amidst historic buildings and ancient monuments. Impressive colonial as well as classic buildings gives a bewitching effect standing dignified with well-designed contemporary hotels, apartment blocks and attractive shopping streets. While the life in cities is fast like in any other European city, the villages follows a laidback pace. Traditional flat roofed village houses made of mud brick are a common sight in the villages, while stone-built houses with tiled roofs can be spotted in the mountains. Many village houses feature delightful vine-shaded courtyards and the typical local oven "fourno" for homemade baking.
With such a depth in its history, the culture of Cyprus is bound to be remarkable. UNESCO has honored the culture of Cyprus by including nine of the island's Byzantine Mountain churches and the entire town of Kato Paphos in its World Cultural Heritage List. The culture of Cyprus is so deep-rooted and influential that there is hardly any week when there is no celebration in the island, whether it is a colorful festival or homage to a saint on one of the numerous ‘name days’.
|
The strong tradition of the country is kept alive from generation to generation through numerous events such as exhibitions, concerts, drama and folk festivals, which are celebrated with great fervor all round the year. The rich Cypriot culture is also reflected in the rich folk art of the island. Age-old crafts, handed down from one generation to another, are faithfully carried on to this day by skillful hands, stylizing handicrafts, both decorative and useful. |
 |
The Greek Orthodox Church has been the mainstay of religion in Cyprus since the 1st century AD. This has helped in a long way to retain and maintain time-honored values and close-knit families that keep colorful customs alive and underline the warm-hearted character of Cyprus. The people of Cyprus owe their individuality and warmth to the fact that they are the part of the land that has rich and colorful history. This sun-drenched beautiful island has been at the crossroads of world events for centuries. Roman, Byzantine, Greek and British have all had tread across Cyprus to culturally enrich it as well as to inherit from it.
Religion and celebration are deeply entwined in Cyprus. The most important event in the church calendar of Cyprus is the occasion of Easter. Another popular religious festival that is unique to Cyprus is ‘Kataklysmos’. It means ‘the Flood’ that coincides with Pentecost and is celebrated at seaside towns especially Larnaca. Cyprus celebrates the cultivation of grapes at the annual Limassol Wine Festival and blooming of flowers at various town festivities. The Carnival, traditionally celebrated in Limassol, is now being celebrated in Larnaca and Paphos too. The festivities are enjoyed with parades, parties and masked balls besides the cultural festivals in summer including the ancient Greek Drama Festival.
By: Shuchita Bist
GOWEALTHY.COM © 2006
For comments: editor@gowealthy.com
Source: www.cyprusisland.com</
