Easter in Cyprus
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Easter in Cyprus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Observed by | Greek Cypriots |
| Liturgical color | White |
| Type | Religious, Cultural |
| Significance | Greek Orthodox Easter |
| Celebrations | Church services, baking tsourekia, dancing, singing |
| Observances | Easter eggs, caroling |
| Begins | Lazarus Saturday |
| Ends | Easter Saturday |
| Duration | 2 Weeks |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Related to | Easter, Resurrection of Jesus |
Easter in Cyprus, locally known as Pascha (Greek: Πάσχα), or in the local dialect Paschan (Greek: Πάσκαν) is the local observances of the Orthodox Christians in Cyprus. It is a blend of Greek traditions and unique Cypriot ones. Public holidays in Cyprus are Holy Friday, Easter Sunday and Bright Monday. Banks, schools and some stores are also closed on Holy Saturday and Bright Tuesday.
The day before Palm Sunday, which is known as Lazarus Saturday, the tradition of lazarines takes place - girls and boys dress up in traditional costumes and sing carols.
Holy Thursday
Great and Holy Thursday in Cyprus commomerates the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, the prayer of Jesus in Gesthemane and the Holy Passion of Christ.
On that day, Cypriots dye red eggs, and the preparation of flaounes and tsourekia begins. Households also engage in cleaning the house. 
The Cypriot Maronite Catholic and Latin Catholic community, the Washing of the Saints' feet is performed during Catholic mass.
Holy Friday
Great and Holy Friday in Cyprus is observed in commemoration of the Deposition of Jesus and His Burial. It is also a public holiday.
Traditions
Holy Friday is a strict fasting day. The traditional meal of the day is fakes with vinegar, symbolizing the suffering of Jesus on the cross. This meal may also be eaten on Holy Thursday. It is also the day when the final preparations for Easter cooking, like baking koulourakia (Easter biscuits) for them to be eaten on Holy Saturday.
Epitaphios in Nicosia
At9 p.m., the procession of the Epitaphios within Nicosia's walled old city takes place. The philarmonic of the Cyprus police accompany the procession, which starts in three different churches (Faneromeni Church, Trypiotis Church and Church of St Savvas) and they meet at Eleftheria square.
