Easter in Cyprus: History, Traditions and Celebrations

Easter, or Pascha, is the most important religious holiday in Cyprus, it’s a deeply rooted tradition that brings families and communities together in celebration. As the most important religious event in the Greek Orthodox calendar, Easter reflects a beautiful blend of spiritual devotion and vibrant cultural practices across the island.

While Christmas may bring festive lights and gifts, Easter is a time of profound spirituality, rich symbolism, community gatherings, and seasonal joy. Regardless if you're a local or a visitor, experiencing Easter in Cyprus offers a unique glimpse into the island’s heart and heritage.

The History of Cyprus Easter

Cyprus has celebrated Orthodox Easter for centuries, rooted in Byzantine traditions and Christian beliefs.The Cypriot Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which usually places Easter a week or two after the Western Christian celebration. The season begins with Great Lent, a 50-day fasting period marked by prayer and reflection.

Holy Week (Megali Evdomada) begins on Palm Sunday, leading up to Holy Friday, a day of mourning, where church bells toll slowly and flower-decorated crosses are carried through villages and towns. The atmosphere is deeply emotional, symbolising Christ’s crucifixion and the anticipation of his resurrection.

Traditional Easter Celebrations

When midnight strikes on Holy Saturday, the atmosphere shifts dramatically. Churches across the island light up as people gather for the Anastasi (Resurrection Service). Candles are lit with the Holy Light, and joyous chants of “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) echo through the night. Fireworks light up the sky, and bonfires often blaze in church courtyards, originally meant to burn representations of Judas, symbolising betrayal being cast away.

Easter Sunday is a time for family feasts, laughter, and celebration. Traditional foods take centre stage, Flaounes (cheese-filled pastries flavoured with mint and mahlab), Tsoureki, roasted lamb, and red-dyed eggs, which are cracked in a friendly competition known as tsougrisma.

Traditional Flaounes

Cultural and Community Spirit

In villages across Cyprus, Easter is not just a religious event, it’s a full community experience. Streets fill with folk games, traditional music, and generations of families reconnecting. Children play, while elders exchange blessings and homemade delicacies.

Markets buzz with the smell of freshly baked goods, and courtyards overflow with shared meals and open doors. It’s a time when the slower rhythms of village life shine the brightest.

Easter and Spring Picnics

With Easter often falling in April or early May, the holiday naturally coincides with Cyprus’ most beautiful season, spring! Wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, the sun shines gently, and nature invites everyone outdoors.

It’s no surprise that many families choose to celebrate Easter Monday with a relaxed picnic, surrounded by greenery and good company. Whether it’s a simple gathering under olive trees or a personalised luxury picnic with local delights and a view, the blend of tradition, nature, and connection creates a truly magical atmosphere.

Final Thoughts

Easter in Cyprus is a deeply moving and joyful celebration—woven with history, faith, and heartfelt togetherness. From candlelit processions to sunrise feasts, it’s an experience that touches the soul and delights the senses.

And if you’re looking to soak in the beauty of the season in style, a luxury spring picnic might be the perfect way to extend the celebration under the Cyprus sky 😉