Anfestiria in Cyprus

According to legend, the anemones are the blood of the murdered Adonis, over whose body Aphrodite sobbed.The Feast of Flowers in Cyprus or Anfestiria is not just a holiday, but a tribute to the extraordinary riches of nature of this island. Specially on the occasion of the holiday, which is held annually at the state level, a commission of biologists gathers, which sums up the results of independent studies of the life of the flora of their country. Everything is taken into account: from counting the places of clusters of rare plants to planning the breeding of new varieties of fruit crops, herbs and flowers.

The fact is that garden flowers in Cyprus by European standards are very few. On the streets you can hardly see flower shops or shops. Giving a bouquet to a woman is a luxury that not every Cypriot man can afford. For celebrations such as a wedding or an anniversary, flowers are ordered in advance. These are mostly flowers from Latin America or the Netherlands. Therefore, on the day of Anfestiria, when wide flower fairs are held, it is simply indecent not to present at least a flower to the one you love! Also on this day they try to give flowers to everyone: relatives, friends, neighbors and colleagues.

The festival of flowers, Anfestiria, is dedicated to those plants that grow in Cyprus. There are about two thousand species of various plants on this small island, of which about 150 are endemic, that is, those that grow only in Cyprus. These are, first of all, wild orchids, chamomiles, wild tulips, gladiolis, lilies, irises, peonies. In the gardens grow bushy roses and bright oleanders. In the mountains, at the foot of monasteries and churches, flower symbols of Cyprus grow - alpine violets, anemones and chamomiles. According to legend, these flowers were born from the tears of Aphrodite born on the coast of Cyprus and the blood of her lover, Adonis, the son of King Kinir of Cyprus.

The endless meadows of Cyprus! Looks like something like Russia...

Cyprus is especially beautiful in spring, late autumn and early winter. The island is covered with grass, some flowers already dry in the sun and change color, and some are just opening.

Anfesteria is traditionally held in May! May in Cyprus is already considered a summer month, but it is still a special time when there is no burning heat, and all plants seem to store vital energy in order to survive the dry summer.

Anthesteria is always timed to the carnival, which is held in Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca. Paphos is the center of flower celebrations. Along Poseidon Street, which leads to the Old Harbour, platforms are paraded, lavishly decorated with flowers. On the edges of the roads there are also girls holding bouquets and wreaths of flowers. Bright colors, fragrant aromas, a storm of emotions - all this is Anfestiria.

The word Anfestiria comes from the Greek anthos, which means “flower”. In the ancient Greek calendar, Anfestirion was the month in which the new Attic year began. It lasted from February 7 to March 8.

From the history of the holiday, it also follows that it was inextricably linked with the cult of the god of winemaking and theatrical art of Dionysus. Every four years, grandiose festivals and competitions were held in his honor, proclaiming the harmony of nature and man. Returning to the legend of anemones, violets and chamomiles born from the tears and blood of the beloved Aphrodite and Adonis, it is worth telling about this in more detail.