Holy Week in Cyprus: Traditions, Flavors & Deep-Rooted Customs
Spring in Cyprus is a beautiful time to visit, and even more special during Holy Week (Megali Evdomada)—one of the most meaningful periods in the Orthodox calendar.
Guests οf Louis Hotels staying in Limassol or Paphos have the opportunity to experience these unique traditions up close, as cities and villages across the island come together in faith, preparation, and celebration.
Holy Week in Cyprus is marked by a sense of reflection and devotion, along with rich customs, traditional food preparation, and community gatherings that culminate in the joyful celebration of Easter.
A Week of Faith and Tradition
Throughout Holy Week, churches across Cyprus hold daily services, with the most emotional moments taking place during:
- Holy Thursday, when the Crucifixion of Christ is commemorated
- Good Friday, with the solemn Epitaphios procession, where the flower-decorated bier is carried through the streets in a deeply moving atmosphere
- Holy Saturday night, culminating in the joyful Resurrection (Anastasi), when churches fill with candlelight and the message of “Christos Anesti”echoes everywhere
Lambradjia & the Burning of Judas
One of the most distinctive Cypriot traditions is the“lambradjia” large bonfires built outside churches in the days leading up to Easter.
On Holy Saturday night, after the Resurrection service, these fires are lit and the figure of Judas is burned, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. The sight of flames rising into the night sky creates a powerful and unforgettable atmosphere.
Flaounes: The Taste of Easter
No Cypriot Easter is complete without flaounes, the island’s most iconic festive delicacy.
These traditional cheese pies are made with:
- Special local cheeses
- Raisins
- Fresh herbs and spices
Families prepare flaounes on Holy Thursday or Good Friday, filling homes with their unmistakable aroma. Alongside them, other traditional baked goods are prepared, such as:
- Tsourekia (sweet Easter bread)
- Paskia, a savory Easter pie often filled with meat
Red Eggs & Easter Night Traditions
On Holy Thursday, families dye eggs red, symbolizing the blood of Christ.
After the Resurrection service on Holy Saturday night, people return home to:
- Crack red eggs (tsougrisma) with loved ones
- Share a warm plate of avgolemono soup, the traditional meal that breaks the fast
Easter Monday & Village Celebrations
The celebrations continue on Easter Monday, when villages across Cyprus host traditional games and festivities in their central squares.
You may see:
- Sack races (sakoulodromies)
- Egg races (avgodromies)
- Traditional music and dancing
These joyful gatherings bring together locals and visitors in a relaxed and festive atmosphere.
The Easter Feast
Holy Week is also closely connected to fasting, which continues until Holy Saturday night. The fast is then broken with the grand Easter Sunday feast, where families gather to enjoy Souvla (slow-roasted meat over charcoal) and other traditional food such as Koupepia (stuffed vine leaves) and Makaroni tou fournou (baked pasta)
It is a celebration of abundance, family, and togetherness.
Experience Holy Week with Louis Hotels
From candlelit processions and village traditions to festive meals and local hospitality, every moment offers a deeper connection to the island’s culture. Because in Cyprus, Easter is not just a celebration—it is a feeling shared across communities, traditions, and generations.