Cyprus Culture

The carnivals are over and Lent is underway – a 40 day fasting period of no meat, poultry or dairy products. The bakeries accommodate those who fast by adding dairy-free, egg-free and meat-free pastries and cookies to their already vast array of goodies. Generally, fasting is followed more strictly in the villages of Cyprus than in the towns, but most restaurants and takeaways also add fasting dishes to...

By: Patricia Winter   - Which one of the following would you prefer 1) a “grab and go” high fat/high sugar meal from one of the many fast food places around or 2) a delicious, healthy and freshly prepared meal? I believe that I can guess which one most of us would choose – the second. A few weeks ago we discovered Dori’s, a Lebanese takeaway that had recently opened in Paphos and...

Carnival time in Cyprus is nearly here!  From the 1st until the 4th of February the Town Crier will be announcing the Carnival’s arrival all around Limassol. Carnival was celebrated in ancient Greece and organized in honor of the god Dionysos. Ancient Greeks got dressed in various costumes, wore masks, played games and had feasts that lasted for days. The custom and tradition is still going strong...

“Concrete Jungle” is a description of Peyia that I have heard on a number of occasions from many expats.  I do not agree with them at all. As a matter of fact, I think the need for growth is tremendous.  At first, I thought the reference was funny and it brought back memories from 1985 when I worked in the “Cabrini Greens” housing projects in the Near North Side of Chicago, only 100 meters...

As the year comes to an end, everyone looks back and reflects on how they did either financially or personally, what they did and what they will do differently in the coming year. Some just look forward to a new year and a fresh start - no looking back. As for me, I look back and reflect and I wouldn't change a thing. I had a good year in my business and personal life and look forward to more prosperous...

Even though Christmas is just a few weeks away temperatures are unseasonably warm (in the '30s) making it hardly feel like Christmas despite the festivities that are beginning to take place. Paphos town, for the first time, has a Christmas wonderland and even an ice skating rink set up by the town hall.  Christmas fairs are being held and everyone is getting extra busy. As Christmas day approaches...

This is an article I wrote soon after moving to Paphos, Cyprus in June 2006. I thought it would be good to share it again here:As the summer holidaymakers start heading home, Paphos turns from a bustling Mediterranean destination back into a sleepy small town or as some say, a village. I have concluded my second consecutive summer here and anticipating the beauty of the coming autumn and winter seasons, I...

Summer is the time for laid back fun: relaxing on the beach, swimming and playing. In Cyprus, we spend much more time outside than other countries due to the long and hot summers. With the recent and very sad death of an 11-month-old boy at a beach in Kissonerga, I would like to take the opportunity to remind everyone how to keep you and your family safe at the beach and in the heat. Beaches and the...

As the days are now getting hotter and hotter (even this early in May) I thought it was a good time to remind everyone about using common sense when you are out and about in the heat.  Summer is the time for fun in the sun but, using caution while swimming, sunbathing or even just doing errands around Cyprus this summer will avoid any potential hazards of the heat. Here is a blog post I wrote...

This has been one of the most hectic summers of my life! Summer is supposed to be when life goes slower in Cyprus, especially in August. Last two years August has been a very laid-back time of year, even though there are many tourists and would-be residents who are looking at Paphos as a retirement or second-home destination. In August, people tend to concentrate on the more important things in life...