Pentecost - A Long Weekend For Cyprus

Cyprus News – 8.6.09

Cypriots are enjoying a long weekend this week as Monday 8th June is the feast of Pentecost. This is a Greek Orthodox festival with strong pagan roots, known in Cyprus as Kataklysmos or the Festival of the Flood.

The word kataklysmos in Greek means flood and references to the flood are found both in the bible - the book of Genesis - and in Greek myth. Some people believe that Kataklysmos originated from ancient ceremonies honouring Aphrodite and Adonis, but whatever the significance, Cypriots are keen to celebrate, particularly now that voting in the European Elections is over and the beach is looking is looking even more attractive than usual!

This unique Cypriot celebration occurs 50 days after Greek Orthodox Easter and marks the day of the Holy Spirit - or Pentecost. It's celebrated in coastal towns across Cyprus (although they celebrate them on different days) and celebrations always involve a lot of water! Coastal cities make the most of the opportunity for a celebration, staging concerts and games near the waterfront, and children usually have their water guns handy!

Larnaca is one of the best places to be and the town spends several days celebrating Kataklysmos and the promenade turns into an open-air fair with plenty of stalls selling toys and traditional food. There are performances from popular Greek and Cypriot singers and dance troupes. In the spirit of the celebrations, events include competitions in the water. The most popular custom involves throwing water at one another, which symbolises the purification of the body - so why not go along and enjoy yourself - but be prepared to get wet - it's the only way to enjoy Kataklysmos.