Cyprus Local Customs

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Missing Cypriots

by tagalonggal

Cypriot women, wearing photos of missing loved ones, maintain a daily presence at the border in Nicosia. They're waiting for answers from the Turkish Government to what happened to their family members. They hope that by telling their story to visitors to their country they can bring world attention to their cause.

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Cypriot folk dances.

by navaros

Do not miss a show of folk dances. Those are performed by men and women is very popular in social gatherings, weddings and religious festivals. It symbolizes the harmony between male and female roles in the Cypriot society. Colorful dresses, cheerful music and acrobatic moves make it unique.There are many styles and various expressions, and we had the opportunity to see some.Datsia: A dance performed in social gatherings and weddings. It demonstrates the agility of the dancer - a man - as well as his skill to balance glasses filled with wine centrifugally turned in a circular sieve. Antikristos: Men and women gracefully dance together in couples in rows across from each other to express the joy of life and love. Some hotels offer this shows on evenings.

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Wishes tree in the way to Paphos

by navaros

I took this picture through the bus's window.You can see the hankies are tied to the tree's brunches. the local legend tells that the roots of this tree grow into a church at Paphos. Local people say that if you tie your hanky to the tree you can make a wish for an ailment to be cured, or succeed to get a good match!So next time you are on this road.... try it :-)

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Halloumi Cheese... Yami!

by navaros

The incredible Cypriot cheese, has been around for hundreds of years is Halloumi, which is a smooth truly white cheese, handmade from a mix of sheep's and goat's milk, and very tasty when fried . Many villagers make Halloumi that they preserve in brine. If you pass through Pissouri, which is situated midway between Limassol and Paphos, go and see how they make it. Each village has its own recipe that has been handed down from one generation to the next.

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Limassol - King Carnival

by navaros

Annual carnival in February - March ( A week).Out and in doors colorful, cheerful events.This custom is very old, going back to pagan rituals. With the passage of time it has acquired a different, purely entertaining character, with a large, popular following.Worth to come from nearer cities to see the colrful parads, through the main streets of Limassol, accompanied by group of Serenaders and Majorettes.Many fancy-dress bolls and parties take place at many hotels every night.

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Gratious Guests

by Maeniel

The Cypriots that I encountered were a very friendly lot who would always offer you a drink or food, or whatever, without expecting much in return.If you refuse, there is a chance you will cause a small, minor insult (nothing big!) so it is just a good idea to accept as a gratious guest should.

Get In There!

by Maeniel

You may think that this is something strange to be writing on a website about people who want to experience new things in new places, but it has a special relevance here so I am mentioning it.The Greek population seem to appreciate effort more than anything else. Where as they will not hold a lack of enthusiasm against you, they will be more amiable to those getting stuck in!This is one of those places where you should attempt absolutely anything and everything just for trying sake. A lot of the local activities are extrovert in nature, such as dancing in groups and mezes, so if you are shy, I would not recommend any cultural travel here.Even if you foul it up, just so long as you have a smile on your face, gave it a shot and enjoyed it, the Cypriots will laugh along with you. Nothing here is a competition so far as the local people are concerned. Enjoy the new stuff!

Learn the Lingo!

by Maeniel

I normally recomend that everybody learns the language of the place they are going, but it requires special emphasis here.One of the principle industries here is tourism and the majority of its customers are English speaking. Therefore, those who work in this industry (a lot of people) have learnt the language, so you can easily get by with English alone. However, I noticed that the local population responded really well when I tried (very poorly) to use Greek. They corrected me graciously and were instantly (even) more friendly. They appreciated the effort.

Thanks without offence

by Vivienneil

When driving or maybe crossing the road do not show your appreciation by raising your arm and showing the palm of your hand. This is considered rude.You soon find a smile or other gesture that is acceptable and you feel comfortable with.

Visa Advice

by cheekymarieh

Not required for passport holders of the EU.Russians will be required to obtain visas to visit the island from 2003. This is because Cyprus is falling into line with the EU visa requirements. Note, for those having their passport stamped, if you overstay your visa you risk being blacklisted.

Top 3 Hotels in Cyprus

Louis Phaethon Beach Hotel  Paphos

 4 Reviews and 820 Opinions  I have just returned from my second minibreak to the Phaethon this year. The hotel is comfortable... 

 Hotels in Paphos

Cyprus Hilton  Nicosia

 5 Reviews and 109 Opinions  I agree with all other reviews for this hotel. The spa, pool, restaurants, and gym were fantastic. I... 

 Hotels in Nicosia

Livadhiotis Hotel  Larnaca

 4 Reviews and 100 Opinions  We arrived around 430am and we were greeted by Pepe at the front desk. He was courteous even that... 

 Hotels in Larnaca

Questions and Answers

Sharononline profile photo

Q:  Hi we will be staying in Coral Bay at the end of February. One of our party has a celebratory birthday and we would like... 

Jerelis profile photo

A: Hello, Maybe I can help ... my last visit was in 2011, so a bit more in the present :) I have eaten at the Sienna Restaurant and learned from the locals that it is... 

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