Christmas Eve in Cyprus
Christmas Eve is a holiday in Cyprus.
When is Christmas Eve in Cyprus
Christmas Eve is celebrated on 24, December, 2023 in Cyprus.
About Christmas Eve in Cyprus
Christmas Eve, also known as “Protomagia,” is a significant holiday in Cyprus, where the majority of the population is Greek Orthodox. The celebrations begin on December 24th, and the festivities continue until January 6th, which is known as Epiphany.
On Christmas Eve, families gather together to celebrate with a traditional meal, which includes roasted pork, vegetables, and various sweets. The meal is typically accompanied by wine or other alcoholic beverages.
After dinner, many Cypriots attend midnight mass at their local church, where they sing hymns and light candles to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The church bells ring at midnight, signifying the start of Christmas Day.
In some parts of Cyprus, it is also customary to light a large bonfire in the town square, where people gather to sing and dance around the flames.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Cyprus is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate the holiday season with food, music, and religious traditions.
History of Christmas Eve in Cyprus
Christmas Eve is a significant holiday in Cyprus, which is celebrated on the 24th of December every year. The history of this holiday dates back to the early Christian era when Cyprus became a part of the Byzantine Empire.
During the Byzantine period, the Orthodox Church played a significant role in the lives of the Cypriots. Christmas Eve was celebrated as a religious holiday, and people would attend church services to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. The tradition of attending church services on Christmas Eve continues to this day and is an essential part of the festive season in Cyprus.
In addition to attending church services, Cypriots also celebrate Christmas Eve by decorating their homes and preparing traditional dishes. The most popular dish is the Christopsomo, a sweet bread that is baked with honey, raisins, and spices. Families also gather to exchange gifts and spend time together.
Over the years, the celebration of Christmas Eve in Cyprus has evolved, and it now includes modern traditions like Christmas markets, concerts, and events. The holiday has become an important part of the cultural and social fabric of Cyprus, and it is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy by people of all ages and backgrounds.
How is Christmas Eve celebrated in Cyprus
In Cyprus, Christmas Eve is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy. Families gather together for a festive meal, which usually consists of traditional Cypriot dishes such as roasted lamb, stuffed turkey, and various side dishes.
After dinner, people attend the midnight mass at the local church to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. The church is decorated with lights and candles, and the service is accompanied by hymns and carols.
In some villages, it is a tradition to light bonfires in public squares, where people gather to sing and dance.
Children in Cyprus also participate in the tradition of “kalanda,” which involves going from house to house singing Christmas carols and receiving small gifts or treats in return.
Overall, Christmas Eve in Cyprus is a time for families and communities to come together and celebrate the holiday season with food, music, and festivities.
Dates
Christmas Eve will be celebrated in Cyprus on 2023-12-24 2024-12-24 2025-12-24 2026-12-24 2027-12-24 in the comming years.
