Easter

An expensive testicle for Christ's Day...The most important holiday for Orthodox Cypriots, of course, is Easter, the Great Resurrection of Christ!

Before this holiday, for 50 days, the faithful Cypriots refrain from fast food and entertainment. Some are even more active in fasting and praying.

On the eve of the Easter holiday itself, on the night, Cypriots gather at a church service. The festive liturgy lasts longer than, for example, in Russia.

Cypriots retain the tradition of staining eggs and baking cakes, which they bring with them to the service for consecration. Moreover, Cypriot eggs are painted mainly in red, not succumbing to the new-fangled temptations to paint Easter eggs in different colors.

At midnight, all those gathered in the temple light candles, and the temple just glows from the inside. Even the faces of those who come are transformed, and a particularly joyful smile appears on them when the priest proclaims: “Christ Anestes!” The people replied, “Alitos Anestes!” After the service, the Cypriots disperse to their homes, where they allow themselves to taste already consecrated eggs and cakes for breaking up.

In the morning, everyone (both relatives and friends) is invited to the festive table, to the royal table, where the main dish is roasted on a spit of lamb!

Since Easter is celebrated in the spring, it falls to the time of ripening of fresh greens: parsley, celery, dill, various spices. Also, different varieties of cabbage, artichokes and asparagus are prepared for the Easter table.