Easter, known as "Pascha" (Πάσχα) in Greek, holds paramount significance in the religious and cultural life of Cyprus. As the most important feast in the Eastern Orthodox Church, Easter in Cyprus is not merely a religious observance but a vibrant tapestry of rituals, customs, and communal gatherings that reflect the island's deep-rooted Christian heritage and rich cultural traditions.
The Liturgical Journey: Holy Week and Its Significance
The observance of Easter in Cyprus is preceded by a period of intense spiritual preparation known as Great Lent, culminating in Holy Week (Megali Evdomada). Each day of this sacred week carries profound liturgical and theological meaning, drawing the faithful into the Passion, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Lazarus Saturday (Lazarou Savvato): This day commemorates the miraculous raising of Lazarus, symbolising the impending Resurrection. In Cyprus, small sweet breads called “Lazarakia” are baked, shaped to resemble the bound figure of Lazarus, adorned with cloves for eyes, and infused with aromatic spices.
Palm Sunday (Kyriaki ton Vaion): Marking Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem, congregants attend services holding palm fronds and olive branches, which are later taken home as blessings.
Holy Monday to Wednesday: These days focus on themes of vigilance and repentance, with evening services known as the “Bridegroom Services” (Nymphios), highlighting the parable of the Ten Virgins and the need for spiritual preparedness.
Holy Thursday (Megali Pempti): Commemorating the Last Supper, this day is marked by the baking of traditional Easter breads and the dyeing of eggs, predominantly red, symbolising the blood of Christ.
Holy Friday (Megali Paraskevi): A day of mourning, reflecting on the Crucifixion. Churches hold the “Apokathelosis” service, depicting the removal of Christ from the Cross, followed by the Epitaphios procession, where a flower-adorned bier representing Christ's tomb is carried through the streets.
Holy Saturday (Megalo Savvato): The faithful gather for the midnight Resurrection service. As the church is enveloped in darkness, the priest lights the Holy Flame, passing it to congregants who proclaim "Christos Anesti" (Christ is Risen), to which others respond "Alithos Anesti" (Truly, He is Risen). The ceremony is often accompanied by the lighting of bonfires and the burning of an effigy of Judas Iscariot, symbolising the triumph of good over evil.
Culinary Traditions: A Feast for the Senses
Easter in Cyprus is also a time of rich culinary traditions, with specific dishes prepared to break the Lenten fast and celebrate the Resurrection.
Flaounes: These are cheese-filled pastries made with a mixture of local cheeses such as halloumi and anari, flavoured with mint, mahlepi, and sometimes raisins. The preparation of flaounes is a communal activity, often involving multiple generations of a family.
Koulourakia: Butter-based biscuits flavoured with orange zest and vanilla, shaped into braids or twists, and sprinkled with sesame seeds. They are typically baked on Holy Thursday and enjoyed throughout the Easter period.
Avgolemono Soup: A traditional soup made with chicken broth, rice, lemon juice, and eggs, served after the midnight Resurrection service to break the fast.
Souvla: Large chunks of marinated meat, traditionally lamb, cooked slowly on a charcoal spit. Souvla is the centerpiece of the Easter Sunday feast, symbolising joy and abundance.
Symbolic Customs and Community Celebrations
Beyond religious services and food, Easter in Cyprus is characterised by various customs that reinforce community bonds and cultural identity.
Red Eggs and Tsougrisma: The red-dyed eggs symbolise the blood of Christ and the promise of new life. The game of tsougrisma involves tapping eggs against each other, with the last uncracked egg believed to bring good luck.
Bonfires and Fireworks: On Holy Saturday night, bonfires are lit, and fireworks are set off to celebrate the Resurrection. The burning of Judas' effigy is a traditional act symbolising the purging of evil.
Community Gatherings: Easter Sunday is marked by large family gatherings and communal feasts. Traditional games, music, and dancing are integral parts of the celebration, fostering a sense of unity and shared joy.
Regional Variations and Enduring Traditions
While the core elements of Easter are consistent across Cyprus, regional variations add depth to the celebration.
Avgoty: In the Famagusta region, a special Easter bread called “avgoty” is prepared. Shaped into a ring with a red egg nestled in the center, it is decorated with sesame seeds and symbolises the Resurrection.
Paskies: In certain villages of Paphos, “paskies” are made—round pastries similar to flaounes but filled with seasoned meat, reflecting local culinary preferences.
Easter in Cyprus is a profound amalgamation of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and communal harmony. The meticulous observance of liturgical rites, the preparation of traditional foods, and the engagement in age-old customs all serve to reinforce the island's rich Orthodox Christian identity and the enduring bonds of its communities. As families gather to proclaim "Christos Anesti," they partake in a celebration that transcends mere festivity, embodying a deep-seated affirmation of faith, renewal, and shared humanity.
Happy Easter from The Villa Group