Epiphany festivities are set to unfold across Cyprus, with municipalities in Nicosia, Paphos, and Ayia Napa announcing vibrant programmes for this significant occasion.
- Epiphany festivities are set to unfold across Cyprus, with municipalities in Nicosia, Paphos, and Ayia Napa announcing vibrant programmes for this significant occasion.
Paphos Hosts Official State Celebration
This year, Paphos will serve as the backdrop for the official state celebration of Epiphany, attended by President Nikos Christodoulidis and Archbishop Georgios. The day will commence with a liturgy at the historic Ayioi Anargyroi church, where the Archbishop will lead the religious observances.
Procession to the Sea
Following the liturgy, participants will take part in a procession that leads to Paphos harbour. The highlight of this event will be the ceremonial casting of the Holy Cross into the sea, accompanied by music from the Cyprus Police Philharmonic and the Philharmonic of the National Guard.
Nicosia’s Celebrations Include Cultural Presentations
Nicosia will see its own set of celebrations commencing at 11am at the Church of Ayia Varvara in Aglandjia. The festivities will feature a procession to Ayios Georgios in Athalassa Park, where a blessing ceremony will take place at the lake.
Attendees can look forward to cultural presentations by the Aglandjia folk club, showcasing traditional Cypriot dances, as well as performances of Pontic dances and a musical tribute to Panayia Soumela.
Ayia Napa’s Traditional Events
In Ayia Napa, the municipality will celebrate at the Church of Panayia Ayia Napa. The event will attract House president Annita Demetriou and Bishop Vasilios of Famagusta, reflecting the importance of the occasion.
A procession led by the National Guard and the Ayia Napa Band will make its way to the Ayia Napa harbour, culminating in the ceremonial throwing of the cross into the waters, a tradition that marks the essence of Epiphany.
Significance of Epiphany
Observed by Orthodox Christians on January 6, Epiphany commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ and the blessing of seas and other bodies of water. A key tradition involves a swimmer retrieving the cross from the water, symbolising blessing and good fortune for the year ahead.
