THE FESTIVAL OF THE FLOOD

This weekend sees the annual Kataklysmos Festival here in Cyprus, with coastal towns holding festivities over the course of the weekend to celebrate.

Kataklysmos, meaning deluge or cataclysm in Greek, is a religious festival held 50 days after the Greek Orthodox Easter. Traditionally a celebration of Noah and the flood the festival actually has its roots in both the Bible and Greek mythology.

Traditionally, Kataklysmos festivals are held across Cyprus in Agia Napa, Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, Polis and Paralimni. Each town will have their own specific festivities which may include games, folk dancing, boat races, swimming competitions, concerts and, of course, lots of water being thrown.

Here are some of the Organised events in Paphos, Polis and Limassol:

Paphos – Kataklysmos 2022

After a 2 year “forced break” Paphos Municipality have announced the return of the Festival of the Flood.

The events will take place in Kastro Square and in the Port of Kato Paphos from 11th – 13th June and will include concerts, dance and water sports.

Saturday 11 June

8.00 p.m. : Castle Square

Cypriot traditional dances by the Cultural Club “Vasilitzia”
Greek folk dances by the Dance Group of Katerina Tziamali
Pontian traditional dances by the band of the Cultural Group of Traditional Dances “Romiosini”
Sunday 12 June

8.00 p.m. : Castle Square

Greeting from the Mayor of Paphos
Concert by Kelly Kelekidou and George Papadopoulos with the participation of a seven-member orchestra
Monday 13 June

5.00 p.m. : Port of Kato Paphos

Water sports

8.00 p.m. : Castle Square

Dances by the Dance Group “Hamaz Kayin Ani” of the Armenian Community of Cyprus
Concert by Dimitris Fanis, Christiana Pavlou and a 5-member orchestra, in a musical journey – a tribute to the successes of Lefteris Papadopoulos.