March 2010

Every year, runners flock from all over Europe, Israel, Argentina and Cyprus to take part in the Ultra Sports Cyprus Marathon. This day of sun-kissed fun incorporates three different distances; a 26-mile marathon, a half marathon and a 10km fun run. The route takes the runners from Petra tou Romiou (Birthplace of Aphrodite) along the seafront road and through the town to Medieval Fort Square.
Also on the programme: Traditional Greek and Cypriot music and dances.

March 2010

Green Monday marks the beginning of Lent and is celebrated in Paphos with a picnic and a kite-flying competition. The day is filled with the joyous spirit of Carnival and some people still wander around in fancy dress. Events and activities take place in all towns and villages on the island and feature plenty of music, dancing and delicious vegetarian food.
The first Monday of Lent (50 days before Greek Orthodox Easter) is a Bank Holiday in Cyprus and Green Monday picnics are held all over the island. Families and friends gather for an outdoor vegetarian meal of bread, vegetables and olives at the start of this Orthodox festival of fasting and contemplation.
In Paphos, the kite-flying competition takes place down by the lighthouse, where people of all ages fly home-made or locally purchased creations to varying degrees of success.
During Lent, meat and dairy products are forbidden, so why not try some of the delicious Cypriot pastries: tahinopitta (with sweetened tahini paste inside), spanokopitta (spinach) and kolokopitta (pumpkin with raisin).

February/March 2010

Carnival in Cyprus means a near two-week period of celebrations with a focus on food, before the 50 days of Easter. Although festivities take place in towns all over the island, Limassol hosts the most famous celebration, while Larnaka and Paphos offer impressive parades and fancy dress balls.
The first week is called the Meat Week (Kreatini), as it is the last week for eating meat before Easter, while the second is known as the cheese week (Tyrini).
Carnival festivities begin on the Thursday of the Meat Week. Highlights include the entrance of King Carnival, the Children's Carnival Parade, the Serenaders' Parade and the Grand Carnival Parade of chariots and groups.