Cyprus Culture

...Cyprus Traditions & Cyprus People

In Cyprus culture it is the tradition to offer visitors a glyka (conserved fruit) with Greek coffee and a glass of water.

Cafes in Limassol Old Town glyka Tavli

Backgammon (Tavli) is loved by many and integral to the culture of Cyprus! It's the Greek version of backgammon (tavli in Greek is board) and very popular with people of all ages.

Tavli used to be the preserve of only men who could always be seen playing the game and sipping coffee in their local Greek Kafenion (cafe only for men).

Times have changed and many women now enjoy playing tavli with friends in local cafes, especially in the cities and towns. However, in villages a kafenion is still looked upon as the gathering place for men where they can play card games and enjoy a hearty meal which is normally on the menu of the day.

In fact the food is often very good (try Fanos in the old town of Limassol - delicious!) and cheap and tourists are always made to feel welcome. Soft drinks and those such as ouzo, brandy and beer are accommpanied by the traditional meze and nuts and crisps and Greek coffee is always on offer.

Worry Beads (Kombolói)

Otherwise know as worry beads and also very much part of everyday Cyprus culture.

Cyprus people love these pretty little beads which are used to help relax and meditate on life whilst having a drink or just sitting enjoying the view. Try it, it really does work!

Myths & Legends

The culture of Cyprus is rich in history and the myths and legends of Aphrodite.

The entire town of Kato Paphos is listed in UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage site which also lists nine Byzantine churches in the Troodos area of the island.

Cyprus Festivals

Festivals are an important part of every day life and deeply associated to religion and every day food.

There are many local festivals and towns such as Paphos, Limassol, Larnaca and Nicosia are renowned for their exciting festivals and well worth a visiting.

Traditional festivals such as Carnival, Kataklysmos (Festival of the Flood), 'Anthestiria' (the Spring Flower festival) and the 'Panigiri' (saint's name day) are celebrated all over Cyprus.

Greek Orthodox Easter and Christmas are important religious festivals celebrated by in all towns. The major festival at Christmas is held in Nicosia in Eleftheria (Freedom) Square.

Cyprus Food

As well as being very delicious, Cyprus food is very traditional and most meals have a religious significance. Many dishes are part of religious festivals and the church plays an important role in every day life.

Cyprus Drinks

Cafe Culture - As in many other Mediterranean countries Cyprus has a huge cafe culture with open-air cafes and bars where it's traditional to sit for many hours and enjoy a coffee, ouzo or whatever you like. You can have a game of tavli whilst enjoying the company of friends.

Traditional drinks include the famous greek coffee which is always served with a glass of ice cold water.

Another popular drink is the frappe which has been drunk for thousands of years, long before the frappe culture hit London and other major cities. Cyprus also has it's very own cocktail using the delicious local brandy called 'Brandy Sour'.

Cyprus Music

Cyprus music includes rembetika and popular music which are the same as the music in mainland Greece and the Greek islands. The bazooki is one of the most popular instruments and integral to Greek and Cyprus culture. There are many Bazooki Clubs which stay open all night and if you haven't visited one it really is a great experience especially if a popular singer is performing.
Related Pages...

Cyprus Cities and Towns

Cyprus Festivals

Attractions in Cyprus

Romantic Hotels
in Cyprus